Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, leading him to pledge to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
Musk made these remarks during a Monday afternoon interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, asserting that gender-reassignment surgery amounts to “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at age 16 and received gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic.
“I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” Musk said, referring to Wilson, who no longer uses his last name. He recalled feeling confused during the pandemic and being warned that his child might be suicidal.
Musk emphasized his belief that such treatments are given to children who are under the age of consent and agreed with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil,” stating that those who promote it should face imprisonment. He also claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers act as sterilization drugs, although they do not directly affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk expressed. “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
These statements follow Musk’s recent announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, joining Tesla, in response to California’s AB1955 or SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from enforcing rules that require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates the State Department to allocate resources for LGBTQ+ identifying children. Musk has previously faced accusations of promoting transphobic rhetoric.
In 2022, his daughter applied for a name change and new birth certificate, indicating in court documents her desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to his daughter’s progressive school in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him. This strained relationship has reportedly influenced Musk’s anti-woke views.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance to increasingly adopt right-wing viewpoints on various issues, including diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of the oil industry and opposition to clean energy.