Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated that he feels his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” following her receipt of gender-affirming care, which has led him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, aired on Monday, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He disclosed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and began receiving gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic.
Musk expressed regret over signing documents related to his daughter’s care, asserting that he was misled about the implications. He mentioned concerns raised about Wilson’s mental health at the time, claiming he was told she might consider suicide.
The billionaire argued that such medical procedures are administered to minors who are not of legal consent age, echoing Peterson’s assertion that the practice is “incredibly evil,” and he believes those advocating for it should face imprisonment. Musk, a father of twelve, also claimed that he was unaware that puberty blockers could be characterized as “sterilization drugs,” despite evidence that they do not directly affect fertility.
Musk lamented his sense of loss regarding his son, stating, “They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
His comments come shortly after announcing that his companies, X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act, which prohibits schools from enforcing rules that inform parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a legal name change and a new birth certificate, indicating in court documents her desire to sever ties with her biological father. In Walter Isaacson’s biography, it’s noted that Musk attributes his strained relationship with Wilson to her progressive education in Los Angeles, suggesting that this disconnect has fueled his “anti-woke sentiments.”
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously centrist views to adopt increasingly right-wing positions on various issues, including diversity policies and election integrity. Earlier this month, he expressed his support for the Republican presidential ticket featuring former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom are advocates for the oil industry and opponents of clean energy initiatives.