Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, and expressing his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.” He shared these views during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson aired on Monday.
Musk discussed his daughter’s transition, naming Vivian Jenna Wilson, who publicly came out as transgender at 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic. Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating he felt “tricked” into signing documents for his daughter before he fully understood the situation, amidst confusion brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. He expressed concern that he was led to believe the care was necessary to prevent potential suicidal behavior.
He criticized the medical procedures performed on minors, arguing that it is “incredibly evil” and called for the imprisonment of those who promote such practices. Musk, who has twelve children, claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers are equivalent to sterilization drugs, although puberty blockers do not directly impact fertility.
Musk lamented his loss, using terms like “deadnaming” to describe his feelings about his son’s transition, asserting that this is indicative of his son’s death to him. His statements come shortly after announcing that several of his companies, including X and SpaceX, are relocating to Texas in response to California’s legislation, the SAFETY Act, which protects transgender minors in schools.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating in court documents that she wished to sever all ties with Musk. Musk has attributed the strained relationship to Wilson’s progressive school. His evolving political views have increasingly aligned with right-leaning ideologies, especially regarding issues like diversity, election integrity, and immigration, culminating in his recent endorsement of the Republican presidential candidacy, including that of Donald Trump.