Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that his transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to express a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, describing it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, transitioned during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16.
Musk claimed he felt misled into signing documents regarding his child’s care, stating that there was considerable confusion during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed concern over the process being applied to minors who are below the age of consent and echoed Peterson’s sentiments by calling it “incredibly evil,” suggesting that those who promote such procedures should be imprisoned. Musk also mentioned that he wasn’t informed that puberty blockers could act as sterilization drugs, although it’s noted that they do not directly affect fertility.
Musk described his emotional loss, asserting, “I lost my son, essentially,” and explained that the term “deadnaming” signifies the death of his son in a metaphorical sense.
His remarks came shortly after he announced plans for X and SpaceX to relocate to Texas, responding to California’s AB1955, which prohibits schools from requiring parental notification for students identifying as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, his daughter sought a name change and new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she wanted no connection to her biological father. Musk has attributed the distance in their relationship to her education at a progressive school in Los Angeles, a detail highlighted in Walter Isaacson’s biography, which aligns with Musk’s increasing “anti-woke sentiments.”
In recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left views to adopt more right-wing perspectives on various issues, including diversity initiatives and election integrity. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both strong advocates for the oil industry and opponents of clean energy initiatives.