Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming that she was “killed” following her receipt of gender-affirming care. He expressed his intentions to combat what he calls the “woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at 16 and that she underwent gender-affirming treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musk stated that he feels he was deceived into signing documents for his daughter, explaining that at the time, he was not fully aware of the situation and was led to believe that she might be at risk of suicide. He criticized the practice of providing gender-affirming treatments to minors, aligning with Peterson in asserting that it is “incredibly evil” and that those championing it should face imprisonment. Musk also claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers can be likened to sterilization drugs, though it is noted that puberty blockers alone do not directly cause infertility.
He remarked, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the concept of “deadnaming,” which he associates with feelings of loss regarding his relationship with Wilson.
Musk’s comments occurred shortly after he revealed that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, citing California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act, which limits parental notification when children identify as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Historically, Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans sentiments.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, expressing in court documents her desire to sever ties with her father completely. Musk attributes their strained relationship to the progressive educational environment in Los Angeles, an insight drawn from Walter Isaacson’s biography of him. Isaacson suggests that the rift with Wilson has influenced Musk’s “anti-woke” views.
In recent years, Musk, previously recognized for his moderate political stance, has increasingly adopted right-wing rhetoric on various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he publicly endorsed the Republican presidential ticket, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.