Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” due to receiving gender-affirming care, leading him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.” Musk made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
During the conversation, Musk, who oversees multiple companies including X, labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, began her gender transition during the pandemic when she was 16. Musk expressed that he felt misled into signing documents related to Wilson’s transition, stating, “I was tricked into doing this.” He added that at that time, the urgency of the situation was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musk asserted that children undergoing such procedures are often below the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil” and suggesting that advocates for these procedures should face imprisonment. He claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could effectively sterilize individuals, although it is known that puberty blockers alone do not directly affect fertility.
He referred to his daughter’s transition by saying, “I lost my son, essentially,” and highlighted the profound impact of “deadnaming” on the relationship with his child. His comments come shortly after he announced that his companies would relocate to Texas, largely due to California’s recent legislation regarding the rights and support of LGBTQ+ children, which he openly criticized.
Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate in 2022, stating in court documents her desire to sever ties with him. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles. His relationship with Wilson has been described as a contributing factor to his evolving political views, which have shifted further right in recent years.
Once known for more centrist views, Musk has increasingly embraced right-wing stances on various issues, including diversity and immigration. Most recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket involving former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom prioritize the oil industry over clean energy initiatives.