Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, stating that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care and pledging to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
During a recent interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He discussed his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who publicly came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk claimed he felt misled when he signed documents related to his child’s care, referencing the confusion brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed concern that he was informed that his child might be at risk of suicide, which contributed to his decision-making at that time.
The CEO emphasized that the medical procedures affect children who are usually under the age of consent and expressed agreement with Peterson’s characterization of the practice as “incredibly evil.” Musk stated that he was not made aware that puberty blockers could lead to sterility, though it is important to note that puberty blockers, on their own, do not have a direct impact on fertility.
Musk remarked, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the concept of “deadnaming,” which he believes signifies the loss of his son’s identity.
His comments follow his announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas due to California’s new legislation, AB1955, which prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a student identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans sentiments in the past.
In previous court documents, his daughter applied for a name change and requested a new birth certificate, stating she no longer wishes to be connected to her biological father. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, Musk attributes his estrangement from Wilson to her progressive educational environment in Los Angeles, suggesting that this relationship has influenced his expressed anti-woke beliefs.
Over the past few years, Musk has shifted from his formerly center-left political stance to adopt more right-wing perspectives on various issues, including diversity, electoral processes, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed Republican candidates, including former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the fossil fuel industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.