Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently discussed his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, alleging that she has been negatively affected by gender-affirming care, which he criticized as “child mutilation and sterilization.” In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his commitment to “destroy the woke mind virus,” linking his daughter’s transition to feelings of loss and confusion during the pandemic.
Musk, who has 12 children, reflected on his signing of documents for Wilson, claiming he felt misled about the implications of gender-affirming treatments. He expressed that he was concerned for her mental health during that period, stating he was informed that she might be at risk of suicide.
He voiced his opposition to the treatment of children under the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that such practices are “incredibly evil.” Musk criticized the use of puberty blockers, claiming he was not adequately informed that they function as sterilization drugs, although these blockers alone do not affect fertility.
His remarks come shortly after he announced that his companies X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, following California’s AB1955 legislation, which restricts parental notification regarding a child’s transgender identity. Musk has previously faced accusations of transphobia and has often been linked to anti-trans messaging.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and requested a new birth certificate, indicating her desire to sever ties with Musk. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, he attributes the estrangement to Wilson’s progressive education in Los Angeles, suggesting it has influenced her views and fueled his anti-woke sentiments.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left political views to embrace increasingly right-wing rhetoric, previously aligning with topics such as diversity measures and immigration policies. Earlier this month, he also endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance for the Republican presidential ticket, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.