Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson that he believes his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was effectively “killed” after she underwent gender-affirming care. Musk described this care as “child mutilation and sterilization,” expressing his commitment to combat what he refers to as the “woke mind virus.”
Musk discussed his daughter’s experience during the pandemic when she came out as transgender at the age of 16. He claimed that he was “tricked” into signing documents regarding her care without full understanding, mentioning the chaotic context of COVID-19 at the time. He reflected on concerns for Wilson’s mental health, stating he was informed that she might be at risk of suicide.
He criticized the practice of gender-reassignment for minors, saying it is performed on children who are not yet of legal consent, and echoed Peterson’s view that it is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that advocates for such practices should face imprisonment. Musk claimed he was never adequately informed that puberty blockers could act as sterilization drugs, despite evidence that they do not directly affect fertility.
Musk expressed a sense of loss regarding his relationship with his daughter, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” and referenced the term “deadnaming,” explaining its significance in their estrangement.
These remarks emerged shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, citing opposition to California’s AB1955 law, which restricts school policies about parental notification regarding a child’s gender identity. Musk has faced ongoing accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messages.
In court documents from 2022, Musk’s daughter applied for a name change and expressed her desire to sever ties with him completely. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk has attributed their strained relationship to the progressive environment at her school in Los Angeles. Isaacson also suggested that Musk’s sentiments against the “woke” culture stem from his difficulties in connecting with Wilson.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance to align more closely with right-wing narratives on issues such as diversity, election integrity, and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and resist clean energy initiatives.