Tesla CEO Elon Musk has sparked controversy with remarks about his transgender daughter, whom he claims was “killed” due to the gender-affirming care she received, prompting him to vow to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He recounted how his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and underwent gender-affirming treatments during the pandemic.
Musk stated he felt misled into signing documents concerning Wilson’s care, claiming he was unaware of the implications at the time. “I was told (Musk’s child) might commit suicide,” he said, expressing regret about his involvement. He characterized the process as targeting minors “far below the age of consent” and echoed Peterson’s view that it is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that advocates for such care should face imprisonment.
Despite having 12 children and frequently discussing themes of fertility and underpopulation, Musk expressed that he was not adequately informed about puberty blockers being sterilization drugs, despite the fact that they do not impact fertility on their own. “I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented, asserting that he feels he has lost his son, highlighting the emotional weight of “deadnaming.”
These comments followed Musk’s recent announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, also known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from implementing rules requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates resources to support LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought to legally change her name and obtain a new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she wished to sever all ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to the progressive environment of Wilson’s Los Angeles school, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. Isaacson suggested that Musk’s estrangement from Wilson influences his vocal “anti-woke” sentiments.
Musk, known previously for his moderate political views, has shifted towards far-right rhetoric on a range of issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.