Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” following her receipt of gender-affirming care, leading him to express a desire to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, aired on Monday, Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, began her transition during the pandemic at the age of 16.
Musk indicated he felt misled into signing documents related to his daughter’s care. “I was essentially tricked,” he stated, referencing the dilemma surrounding his child’s mental health during the COVID pandemic. He expressed regret over the guidance he received at that time, which he believed was inadequate.
He criticized the practice of transitioning minors, asserting that it takes place among those “who are far below the age of consent,” and agreed with Peterson’s assertion that such practices are “incredibly evil,” advocating for imprisonment of those who endorse them. Musk also voiced his concerns regarding puberty blockers, claiming he was not informed that these could function as sterilization drugs, despite evidence that they do not inherently affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented, expressing a sense of loss regarding his son, who has since changed her name. He referred to the concept of “deadnaming” to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
These remarks follow Musk’s recent decision to relocate X and SpaceX to Texas, amid criticism of California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This law prohibits schools from requiring parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and mandates resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans sentiments in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, wishing to sever ties with her father. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, Musk attributed their estranged relationship to her progressive school environment. Isaacson suggested that Musk’s estrangement from Wilson has influenced his pronounced “anti-woke” views.
Over recent years, Musk, who previously held center-left political views, has shifted toward right-wing perspectives on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration policies. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their staunch support of the oil industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.