Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his distress over his estranged transgender daughter, whom he believes was harmed after receiving gender-affirming care. In an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk stated his intention to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.” He referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, began her transition at 16 and received care during the pandemic.
Musk alleged that he was misled into signing documents related to his daughter’s care, claiming he faced threats of suicide if he did not comply. He criticized the processes that allow children below the age of consent to undergo such medical treatments, stating that he agrees with Peterson that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil” and should be punishable by imprisonment. He also expressed regret, saying, “I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the concept of “deadnaming.”
These comments followed Musk’s announcement that companies like X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, partly in response to California’s new legislation prohibiting schools from notifying parents if a child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a legal name change, stating she wished to sever ties with her father, which Musk has attributed to the influence of a progressive school in Los Angeles. This strained relationship reportedly informs his current anti-woke stance. Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously moderate political views towards more right-wing perspectives, including endorsements of figures like former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance.