Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” following her gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his commitment to “destroy the woke mind virus,” referring to his daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson’s transition.
Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgeries, labeling them as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that Wilson, who underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at age 16, is no longer using his surname. Musk claimed he had been misled into allowing the treatment, stating, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.”
He expressed regret over the process, noting that he was concerned for Wilson’s mental health amidst confusion due to the pandemic, and he claimed that he was unaware of the implications of puberty blockers, which he asserted were never explained to him as simply sterilization drugs. Musk stated, “I lost my son, essentially,” emphasizing the emotional weight of the term “deadnaming.”
These statements come shortly after Musk announced that companies under his leadership, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955 legislation, which modifies the requirements for parental notification regarding transgender identification in schools. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and contributing to anti-trans messaging.
His estrangement from his daughter has been a point of discussion, with Wilson seeking a name change and new birth certificate, with court documents indicating she does not wish to have any relation with her biological father. Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk suggests that their fractured relationship has influenced Musk’s shift toward anti-woke sentiments.
Over recent years, Musk, once known for his moderate positions, has adopted more right-leaning views on various topics including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both supporters of the oil industry and critics of clean energy initiatives.