Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently commented on his estranged transgender daughter, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed his intention to combat the “woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired Monday afternoon. Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” revealing that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received care during the pandemic.
Musk stated he felt misled into signing documents regarding his child’s care, saying this occurred during a chaotic time with the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned concerns over potential suicide risks related to his child’s struggles with gender identity.
He condemned the medical procedures available to minors, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil” and suggested that those who promote it should face imprisonment. Musk expressed frustration at not being adequately informed that puberty blockers are effectively sterilization drugs, although these blockers do not directly impact fertility on their own.
Musk stated, “I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the concept of “deadnaming,” which he believes signifies the loss of his son’s identity. His comments come shortly after announcing that X and SpaceX, along with Tesla, would relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955 legislation. This law prohibits schools from enforcing rules that require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and seeks to bolster resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans messages in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating in court documents that she wished to sever ties with her biological father entirely. Musk attributes the fractured relationship to her progressive educational environment in Los Angeles, as mentioned in Walter Isaacson’s biography, which suggests that this estrangement has influenced Musk’s anti-woke rhetoric.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left political views to more right-wing perspectives on issues such as diversity, election fraud, and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket led by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom are known for their support of traditional energy sources and resistance to clean energy initiatives.