Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, leading him to express his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday. He referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and discussed how his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 after receiving gender-affirming care amid the pandemic.
He expressed his regret at having signed documents regarding his daughter’s care, stating, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.” He explained that there was much confusion during that time, and he was alarmed by suggestions that his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk criticized the practice of providing gender-affirming treatment to minors below the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson’s characterization of it as “incredibly evil” and suggesting that individuals who promote such treatments should face imprisonment. He also claimed that he had not been informed that puberty blockers are effectively sterilization drugs, although it is stated that puberty blockers alone do not impact fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk remarked, lamenting the loss of a relationship with his son by referencing the term “deadnaming.” He indicated that the name change process signifies a profound loss.
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, following California’s AB1955 legislation, which prohibits schools from mandating parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced allegations of promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter filed for a name change and sought a new birth certificate, indicating in court documents that she no longer wishes to be associated with her biological father. Musk has attributed his estranged relationship with Wilson to her progressive education in Los Angeles, suggesting that this dynamic has fueled his “anti-woke sentiments.”
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left stance to align more closely with right-wing ideologies, voicing opinions on issues from diversity initiatives to election integrity. Earlier this month, he publicly supported the Republican party’s presidential candidates, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.