Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on his estranged transgender daughter, stating that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, as he expressed a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” Musk’s daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at 16 and sought gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
“I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” Musk said, referring to Wilson, who has since changed her last name. He mentioned that he was confused at the time due to the pandemic and was informed that his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk asserted that the gender-affirming process is performed on children who are not old enough to consent and echoed Peterson’s view that it is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that anyone promoting such care should face imprisonment. He also claimed that he was not made aware that puberty blockers were akin to sterilization drugs, despite the fact that puberty blockers do not, by themselves, affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk stated. “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, following California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from mandating parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and requires state resources to support LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations in the past regarding transphobia and anti-trans messaging.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she no longer wishes to be associated with her biological father. Musk has attributed his strained relationship with Wilson to her progressive school in Los Angeles, according to biographer Walter Isaacson, who noted that this estrangement has influenced Musk’s “anti-woke sentiments.”
In recent years, Musk, who was previously viewed as politically moderate, has shifted towards right-wing viewpoints on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.