Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care, stating he is committed to combating what he terms the “woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk, who oversees multiple companies including X, described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He referred to his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who publicly transitioned during the pandemic at the age of 16.
Musk claimed he was “tricked” into signing documents concerning Wilson’s transition prior to fully understanding the situation amid the confusion of the pandemic. He expressed concern for his child’s well-being, stating that there were threats of suicide.
He criticized the medical process for minors who he believed are below the legal age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil.” Musk also stated he was not informed that puberty blockers are akin to sterilization drugs, although these blockers do not have a direct impact on fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk remarked, lamenting the loss of his son and referencing the term “deadnaming,” which signifies the loss of a previous identity.
These statements from Musk followed his announcement of relocating X and SpaceX to Texas alongside Tesla, in response to California’s legislative changes under AB1955, which restricts parental notification regarding transgender identification in schools and aims to support LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messages previously.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and new birth certificate, indicating a desire to sever ties with her biological father. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, Musk attributes the estrangement to Wilson’s progressive education background, which he believes has influenced his daughter’s shift away from him.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previous center-left positions towards right-wing rhetoric, voicing support for conservative viewpoints on various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and energy policies. Recently, he endorsed Republican candidates, including Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.