Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his controversial views on gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was effectively “killed” due to the care she received, prompting him to declare a mission to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, who no longer uses his last name, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He mentioned feeling “tricked” into signing documents related to her transition and that urgent concerns about her mental health were raised during a confusing time marked by COVID-19.
In his comments, Musk condemned the practice of providing medical interventions to children who are below the age of consent, echoing Peterson’s view that it is “incredibly evil” and should carry legal consequences for those promoting it. He claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers could be considered sterilization drugs, although it is noted that they do not affect fertility on their own.
Musk lamented the loss of the familial relationship with his daughter, stating, “They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.” These comments emerged shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, also known as the SAFETY Act, which restricts schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender.
Wilson had previously sought a name change and a new birth certificate, expressing in court documents her desire to sever ties with her father. Musk has attributed the rift in their relationship to her progressive education in Los Angeles, a dynamic explored in Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, which links his anti-woke views to his relationship struggles with Wilson.
Over recent years, Musk’s political stance has shifted from center-left to adopting more right-wing perspectives on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed Republican candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.