Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed a commitment to combat what he terms the “woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, aired on Monday, Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He stated that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16.
Musk claimed he was “tricked” into consenting to the care for his child, noting that he was unaware of the implications at the time, particularly due to the confusion surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. He asserted that he was informed Wilson might be at risk of suicide.
The CEO expressed strong opposition to the treatment of minors, stating that it is “incredibly evil” and advocating for severe consequences for anyone promoting such practices. He alleged that he was never informed that puberty blockers were effectively sterilization drugs, although there is no consensus that they directly affect future fertility.
Musk articulated feelings of loss regarding his daughter, saying, “I lost my son, essentially,” while decrying the term “deadnaming,” which he believes signifies the loss of his son’s identity due to transition.
His comments come shortly after announcing that X and SpaceX will relocate to Texas, joining Tesla in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation restricts schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates that the State Department provide resources to support LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating that she no longer wants any connection to her biological father. Musk has attributed the strained relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles, suggesting that it has influenced her views against him. Recent biographical accounts have suggested that this estrangement has fueled Musk’s “anti-woke” sentiments.
In recent years, Musk, known for his previous center-left political stance, has increasingly adopted right-wing viewpoints, touching on issues like diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration policies. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of the oil industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.