Tesla CEO Elon Musk made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed his determination to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson broadcast on Monday.
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and stated that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 after receiving care during the pandemic. He shared feelings of being misled into signing documents for Wilson, saying, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.” He recounted that there was significant confusion at the time, and he was concerned for her well-being, believing she might contemplate suicide.
He criticized the acceptance of gender-affirming care for minors, labeling it “incredibly evil” and asserted that anyone promoting such actions should face imprisonment. Musk also claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could be seen as “sterilization drugs,” despite research indicating they do not directly affect fertility.
Musk described his loss of connection with his daughter, saying, “I lost my son, essentially,” and noted that her decision to change her name is referred to as “deadnaming” for a reason, implying a profound loss.
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would join Tesla in relocating to Texas, a decision influenced by California’s AB1955. This legislation restricts schools from alerting parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ support. Musk has faced longstanding allegations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and stated in court documents that she no longer wished to be associated with her biological father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the progressive school Wilson attended in Los Angeles, as mentioned in Walter Isaacson’s biography. Isaacson suggested that their strained relationship has contributed to Musk’s vocal “anti-woke sentiments.”
In recent years, Musk’s political views have shifted from center-left to increasingly right-wing, addressing various issues such as diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier in the month, he expressed support for the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the fossil fuel industry and oppose measures for clean energy.