Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated that he believes his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, leading him to express a commitment to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
McDonald’s is currently dealing with its first lawsuit in connection with an E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounder.
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, broadcast on Monday, Musk, who oversees multiple companies including X, referred to gender reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic and publicly came out as transgender at the age of 16.
Musk claimed he was “tricked” into signing documents related to Wilson’s transition when he was not fully informed and facing COVID-19-related confusion. He expressed concern that he was advised Wilson might be at risk of suicide.
He criticized the practices involving children who are below the age of consent, aligning with Peterson’s view that such actions are “incredibly evil.” Musk asserted that anyone who promotes these practices should face imprisonment. He also claimed that no one explained to him that puberty blockers are essentially sterilization drugs, although these blockers alone do not directly affect fertility.
Musk expressed sorrow over the situation, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” arguing that the term “deadnaming” signifies the loss he feels regarding his child.
These comments came shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955, which restricts parental notification regarding their child’s transgender identification and mandates resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messages in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating her desire to sever ties with her biological father. Walter Isaacson’s biography notes that Musk has attributed their estrangement to the progressive school his daughter attended in Los Angeles, suggesting this has influenced his “anti-woke” rhetoric.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political views towards more right-wing positions on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration. Earlier this month, he expressed support for the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their pro-oil industry stance and opposition to clean energy.