Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to declare a mission to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk made these statements during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday. He controversially referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic and publicly identified as transgender at the age of 16.
He expressed regret, saying he felt “tricked” into signing documents concerning Wilson, who has since distanced herself from his surname. Musk described his situation as confusing, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he was allegedly informed that his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk criticized the practice of providing medical treatment to minors who have not reached the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson’s statement that it is “incredibly evil” and suggested that individuals who promote such practices should face imprisonment. He also claimed that he was unaware that puberty blockers could be classified as “sterilization drugs,” although it is known that these drugs do not directly affect fertility.
He remarked, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason,” referring to the practice of using a transgender person’s birth name after they have transitioned.
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, will relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, also known as the SAFETY Act, which prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. Musk has often faced allegations of transphobia and criticism for his anti-trans messaging.
His daughter legally changed her name and sought a new birth certificate in 2022, indicating that she wished to sever all ties with Musk. In Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, it is suggested that their strained relationship is a contributing factor to his anti-woke views.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance to align more closely with right-wing ideologies, addressing issues such as diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential candidacy of former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom oppose clean energy initiatives.