Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. He claimed she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care and expressed his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.” Musk’s statements were made during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
Musk, who oversees various companies including X, referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He recounted that his daughter came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He expressed regret over signing documents related to Wilson’s transition, stating that he was misled amidst the confusion of COVID-19 and concerned about her mental health.
He criticized the practice of providing medical transition options to minors, asserting that it is wrong to perform such procedures on children not yet of consenting age. Musk echoed Peterson’s sentiment that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil” and suggested that advocates should face imprisonment. He also stated that it was never clarified to him that puberty blockers could be interpreted as sterilization drugs, although it is noted that they do not directly affect fertility.
Musk’s emotional remarks highlighted a sense of loss regarding his relationship with his daughter, saying, “They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
These comments follow Musk’s announcement that his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, largely in response to California’s AB1955 law. This legislation prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and propagating anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
Wilson, in 2022, applied for a legal name change and new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she seeks to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to her progressive education in Los Angeles, suggesting that it has contributed to his “anti-woke” stance.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously centrist political views, adopting more right-wing positions on various issues including diversity, electoral integrity, and immigration. He recently supported the Republican presidential campaign of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.