Tesla CEO Elon Musk made controversial statements regarding his estranged transgender daughter, asserting that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus” and condemned gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at 16 and underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk claimed he was misled into signing documents concerning Wilson, stating he did not fully understand the situation at the time, compounded by the confusion of the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned concerns about his child’s mental health, implying that he was informed about suicide risks related to Wilson’s gender identity.
He criticized the medical practices surrounding transgender youth, asserting that such procedures are performed on minors below the age of consent and agreed with Peterson’s view that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that advocates should face imprisonment. Musk, who has a total of 12 children, stated that he was not adequately informed about the implications of puberty blockers, which he incorrectly suggested could sterilize minors, despite medical data indicating that these treatments do not directly affect fertility.
“I lost my son, essentially,” Musk lamented, referring to his daughter’s transition and the concept of “deadnaming,” which he connected to his sense of loss.
These remarks surfaced shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, legislation that prohibits schools from requiring parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and aims to provide resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messages in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and new birth certificate, expressing in court documents her wish to sever ties with her biological father. Musk attributed his estrangement from her to her progressive school in Los Angeles, a dynamic described in Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, which suggests that their relationship contributed to his increasingly anti-woke stances.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from a center-left political stance to adopting more right-wing views, especially on issues such as diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.