Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
The discussion took place on a live broadcast Monday, where Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, underwent gender-affirming care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musk recalled feeling misled when he signed documents concerning Wilson’s care, stating that he was informed the situation could lead to suicidal thoughts. He expressed regret about the care Wilson received, noting that it was targeted at children who may not fully understand the implications of such decisions. Aligning with Peterson, he called the promotion of such medical interventions “incredibly evil” and suggested that advocates should face imprisonment for their actions.
Musk added that he was not fully informed about puberty blockers, which he mistakenly claimed were sterilization drugs. He expressed a sense of loss over his relationship with his child, emphasizing the emotional weight of “deadnaming.”
His comments come in the wake of his announcement that companies including X, SpaceX, and Tesla would relocate to Texas, partially in response to California’s AB1955 legislation. This law prohibits schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk’s history of perceived transphobia has attracted criticism over the years.
In 2022, Wilson petitioned for a name change, stating she no longer wishes to be associated with her father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to her education in a progressive school, which he claims has influenced her views and feelings towards him. His shifting political stance, moving from center-left to embracing right-wing viewpoints, includes positions on diversity, election integrity, and energy policy. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.