Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after she received gender-affirming care, which prompted him to express his desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.” His comments were made during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
During the discussion, Musk, who oversees multiple companies, characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and began receiving care during the pandemic. Musk stated that he felt misled into signing documents regarding his child’s transition, highlighting that the situation was confusing, especially given the circumstances surrounding COVID-19.
Musk criticized the medical procedures, claiming they are performed on minors who are not old enough to give consent. He aligned with Peterson’s view that promoting such care is “incredibly evil” and suggested that those who advocate for it should face imprisonment. He also expressed that he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers could act as sterilization drugs.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented, adding that he feels he has effectively lost his son. He referred to the concept of “deadnaming” and stated, “The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced that X (formerly Twitter) and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, citing California’s recent SAFETY Act legislation, which prohibits schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and has been criticized for his stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, expressing her desire to cut all ties with her father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to Wilson’s progressive educational environment, suggesting it has influenced her views. His evolving political stance has shifted from center-left to more right-wing positions, including support for former President Donald Trump and other conservative figures.