Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated during an interview that he believes his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was “killed” as a result of receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed a commitment to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
Musk’s remarks were made during a discussion with psychologist and commentator Jordan Peterson, in which he condemned gender-reassignment surgery, referring to it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He noted that Wilson, who came out as transgender at the age of 16, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
He described feeling misled when he signed documents related to Wilson’s transition, mentioning that he was pressured with the concern that his child might commit suicide. “This was really before I had any understanding of what was going on,” Musk said. He criticized the procedures that involve children who are not old enough to give consent, aligning with Peterson’s criticism, calling it “incredibly evil,” and arguing that those who promote such practices should face imprisonment.
Musk claimed that he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers can act as sterilization drugs, although he was cautioned about their implications. He expressed that he felt he had “lost” his son, linking this sense of loss to the practice of “deadnaming” in the transgender community.
These statements come shortly after Musk declared that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas as a response to California’s AB1955. This law prevents schools from mandating that parents be immediately notified if their child identifies as transgender and requires state resources to support LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans sentiments in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a legal name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents a desire to sever ties with her father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to her progressive education in Los Angeles, leading to speculation about how this dynamic influences his recent political views, which have shifted markedly to the right. He has voiced support for the Republican party’s presidential ticket, emphasizing his alignment with figures who prioritize traditional energy sources over clean energy initiatives.