Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial comments regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. Musk expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” asserting that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, began her transition during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16. He revealed that he felt misled when he signed documents concerning her transition, stating that this occurred during a time filled with confusion due to COVID-19 and concerns about her mental health.
He further expressed his belief that these medical procedures are being administered to minors who are not yet of legal consent, echoing Peterson’s condemnation of the practices as “incredibly evil.” Musk, a father of twelve, claimed he was never informed that puberty blockers could be described as sterilization drugs, although these blockers alone do not impact fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented, referring to his loss of a relationship with his son, who he insists is no longer present. He used the term “deadnaming” to illustrate his feelings, suggesting it reflects the death of his relationship with his child.
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced plans for X and SpaceX to relocate from California to Texas, citing the state’s new law, AB1955, which limits parental notification regarding a child’s transgender identity in schools and mandates state-supported resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating that she no longer wishes to have any connection with her biological father. Musk attributes their estrangement to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. This strained relationship is reportedly a factor in Musk’s increasingly right-leaning political views.
Musk, who previously identified as center-left, has shifted towards right-wing perspectives on a variety of issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration. He recently endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for traditional energy practices while opposing clean energy initiatives.