Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, leading him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgeries, referring to them as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at age 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk expressed that he felt deceived into signing documents for Wilson, who has since changed her last name, stating, “This was really before I had any understanding of what was going on.” He also noted the confusion surrounding the COVID pandemic and said he was told his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk asserted that these procedures are performed on minors who are not of consenting age, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil,” and suggested that those promoting such practices should face imprisonment. He claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could be considered sterilization drugs, although they do not directly affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk stated, lamenting the loss of his son. He referred to the term “deadnaming,” explaining it signifies that the person he once knew is gone.
These remarks came just days after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This law prohibits schools from enforcing policies that require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for supporting LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messages in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents her desire to no longer be connected to Musk. Musk attributed their strained relationship to the progressive educational environment in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. This estrangement has been linked to Musk’s intensified “anti-woke” rhetoric.
Historically known for his centrist views, Musk has shifted toward right-wing positions on various issues such as diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for fossil fuel interests and oppose clean energy initiatives.