Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk shared these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired Monday. He characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” discussing his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16 and received care during the pandemic.
“I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” Musk noted, referring to Wilson, who has since changed her last name. He mentioned that during their interaction, he was overwhelmed with confusion due to COVID and was informed that his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk criticized the treatment given to minors, stating, “who are far below the age of consent,” and echoed Peterson’s sentiment that it is “incredibly evil,” calling for imprisonment for those who advocate for it. Musk, who has a total of 12 children, expressed that he was never made aware that puberty blockers were essentially sterilization drugs, although they do not affect fertility on their own.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk remarked. “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 emerged shortly after Musk announced plans for X and SpaceX to relocate to Texas, joining Tesla in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This law prohibits schools from mandating parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and tasks the State Department with providing resources for LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans views in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and new birth certificate, stating in court documents her desire to no longer be associated with her biological father. Musk has attributed their fractured relationship to her progressive education in Los Angeles, as discussed in Walter Isaacson’s biography, which connects his “anti-woke sentiments” to their estrangement.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left political views to adopting a more right-wing stance, addressing issues from diversity initiatives to immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.