Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and shared that his daughter came out as transgender at the age of 16 after undergoing gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic. He alleged that he was misled into signing legal documents regarding his child’s care, stating that he was told Wilson might attempt suicide.
During the interview, Musk emphasized that decisions affecting children should not be made when they are “far below the age of consent.” He criticized those who support such processes, suggesting they should face incarceration. Musk claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs, despite the fact that their use does not inherently affect fertility.
Musk expressed a sense of loss over his son, implying that the term “deadnaming” accurately reflects this sentiment. His comments come shortly after he announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, citing California’s SAFETY Act, which discourages parental notification regarding a child’s transgender identity and encourages state support for LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia in the past.
In 2022, Wilson filed for a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating she wished to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to her progressive school in Los Angeles, a dynamic explored in Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk. The book suggests Musk’s strained relationship with Wilson has influenced his shift toward anti-woke sentiments.
Once aligned with center-left politics, Musk has increasingly adopted right-wing positions on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket led by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.