Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after she underwent gender-affirming care. He expressed his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus” in an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which was aired on Monday.
Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, transitioned during the pandemic and publicly came out as transgender at the age of 16.
“I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” Musk said, referencing Wilson, who has chosen to no longer use his last name. He explained that this happened before he fully grasped the situation, compounded by the confusion surrounding COVID-19, during which he was told that his child might be suicidal.
He criticized the practice of providing gender-affirming care to children “who are far below the age of consent,” stating that he agrees with Peterson in considering the promotion of these treatments as “incredibly evil” and that those who advocate for them should be imprisoned. Despite having 12 children, Musk suggested he was not informed that puberty blockers serve as “sterilization drugs,” even though these blockers do not, in isolation, affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” alluding to the term “deadnaming” which he argued reflects the loss of his child.
His remarks came shortly after announcing that X and SpaceX would join Tesla in relocating to Texas, following California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This legislation restricts schools from enforcing rules that require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources be available for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a legal name change and a new birth certificate, indicating in court documents that she wished to sever ties with her biological father completely. Musk attributed his estranged relationship with Wilson to her progressive education in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. Isaacson suggests that the strained relationship has influenced Musk’s “anti-woke” sentiments.
Once recognized for his moderate political views, Musk has recently shifted towards right-wing assertions regarding various issues, including diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. Notably, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidate lineup of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance earlier this month, both of whom are supporters of the fossil fuel industry and opposed to clean energy initiatives.