Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his controversial views about gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” following her receipt of such care, leading him to declare a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” revealing that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, transitioned at age 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He recounted feeling misled regarding the process, saying he was pressured into signing documents when she was at a vulnerable age.
Musk asserted that these procedures are performed on children who cannot legally consent and sided with Peterson, stating it is “incredibly evil” and calling for imprisonment of those promoting such practices. He claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers could lead to infertility, despite research indicating they do not directly affect fertility.
In his remarks, Musk lamented the perceived loss of his son due to these circumstances, referring to the term “deadnaming” as indicative of this loss. These statements come shortly after he announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955 legislation, which restricts parental notification regarding a child’s transgender identity.
Musk’s daughter, in 2022, pursued a name change and new birth certificate, emphasizing her desire to sever ties with her father. Musk, historically known for his centrist views, has shifted toward right-wing rhetoric, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues and other political topics, including immigration and election integrity, recently endorsing the Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.