Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after she pursued gender-affirming care, expressing his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.” He made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday afternoon. Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, began receiving gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16.
Musk stated that he felt “tricked” into signing documents concerning Wilson, who has since distanced herself from her father’s last name. He mentioned that this happened during a confusing time due to the COVID-19 pandemic when he was led to believe that his child was at risk of suicide.
He emphasized that such procedures are performed on minors who cannot give consent and echoed Peterson’s view that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that proponents should face imprisonment. Musk, who has 12 children, argued that he was not informed that puberty blockers function as “sterilization drugs,” despite puberty blockers typically not impacting fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk stated. “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
These comments followed Musk announcing that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas alongside Tesla due to California’s AB1955, also known as the SAFETY Act, which prohibits schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates resources for LGBTQ+ youth from the State Department. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans sentiments.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter filed for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating that she no longer wishes to be linked to her biological father. Musk has attributed his strained relationship with Wilson to her progressive school in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. Isaacson suggested that Musk’s contentious relationship with his daughter is influencing his anti-woke views.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously centrist stance to embrace more right-wing rhetoric concerning issues like diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential campaign featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.