Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently declared that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” following her gender-affirming care, expressing a determination to “destroy the woke mind virus.” His comments were made during a conversation with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, aired on Monday.
Musk, who oversees multiple companies, including X, criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it “child mutilation and sterilization.” He noted that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, transitioned during the pandemic and publicly identified as transgender at the age of 16.
In the interview, Musk claimed he felt misled when he signed documents for his daughter, stressing that the circumstances were complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also conveyed that he was told his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk expressed strong opposition to gender-affirming procedures for minors, stating that they occur without adequate understanding and that he shares Peterson’s view that such practices are “incredibly evil” and warrant severe punishment for their promoters. He mentioned his belief that he was not properly informed about the implications of puberty blockers, which he mistakenly referred to as sterilization drugs, despite them not directly affecting fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented. He added that he feels he has lost his son, suggesting that the term “deadnaming” reflects a fundamental loss.
These statements by Musk came shortly after he announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, following California’s legislation known as the SAFETY Act. This law prevents schools from enforcing rules that require parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, expressing in court filings her desire to sever ties with her biological father. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk has attributed his strained relationship with Wilson to her progressive educational environment in Los Angeles, suggesting that this rift influences his “anti-woke” viewpoints.
Musk, who once held centrist views, has increasingly adopted right-wing rhetoric, addressing topics such as diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support fossil fuel interests over clean energy initiatives.