Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, leading him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
These remarks were made during an interview with conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday. Musk has referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, identified as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musk recounted feeling misled into signing documents concerning his child’s gender transition, emphasizing that he was unaware of the implications at the time. He expressed concerns about the treatment of young children who are below the age of consent, echoing Peterson’s view that promoting such actions is “incredibly evil,” and suggested that those who do so should face imprisonment. Musk claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could act as sterilization drugs, despite their specific effects not directly altering fertility.
During the interview, Musk stated, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.” He highlighted the term “deadnaming”, noting the emotional impact it has as it signifies the loss of one’s previous identity.
Musk’s controversial comments come shortly after he announced plans for X and SpaceX to relocate to Texas, citing California’s AB1955, also known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation restricts schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ kids. Musk has faced criticism for alleged transphobia and promoting anti-trans messages over the years.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she did not want any relation to her biological father. Musk has attributed his fractured relationship with Wilson to her progressive school in Los Angeles and has been noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography to suggest this estrangement fuels his “anti-woke sentiments.”
In recent years, Musk has shifted his political stance from center-left to embracing more right-wing perspectives on various issues, including diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he publicly supported the Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, both known for their opposition to clean energy initiatives.