Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16. He mentioned feeling misled when he signed documents regarding Wilson’s care, emphasizing that he was unaware of the implications at the time.
He criticized the procedures performed on minors, mentioning that they are conducted on children “who are far below the age of consent,” and he echoed Peterson’s sentiment that it is “incredibly evil” and suggested that proponents of such practices should face imprisonment. Musk, a father of 12, claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could be considered sterilization drugs, although these do not directly affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk stated, adding that he feels he lost his son as a result. He referred to the term ‘deadnaming,’ which is used for calling someone by their former name, explaining it signifies the loss of his son.
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in opposition to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act, which restricts schools from informing parents when a child identifies as transgender. The act also mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has previously faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans narratives.
His daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate in 2022, stating she no longer wishes to be linked to her father. Musk has attributed his strained relationship with Wilson to her progressive education, as suggested in Walter Isaacson’s biography, which notes that this estrangement informs Musk’s perceived “anti-woke” sentiments.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left views to adopting more right-wing positions on various issues including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. He recently endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and are against clean energy initiatives.