Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus” and criticized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
During the discussion, Musk referred to his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who transitioned during the pandemic at the age of 16. He stated that he felt misled into consenting to her treatment, describing a chaotic period amid COVID-19 and expressing concern over her mental health, fearing she might attempt suicide.
Musk also criticized the medical procedures done to minors, agreeing with Peterson’s assertion that they are “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those advocating for such treatments should face imprisonment. He expressed confusion about the implications of puberty blockers, which he claimed were not adequately explained to him, characterizing them as “sterilization drugs.” However, it’s worth noting that puberty blockers alone do not directly cause infertility.
Musk lamented, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” emphasizing the emotional weight of the term “deadnaming,” which refers to using a transgender individual’s former name.
His statements come in the wake of his announcement that X and SpaceX will relocate to Texas, citing California legislation that restricts confidentiality for transgender-identifying students. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, his daughter sought a legal name change and a new birth certificate, stating she no longer wished to be associated with her father. Walter Isaacson’s biography suggests that Musk attributes their estranged relationship to her schooling in Los Angeles, which he believes has influenced her progressive views.
Over recent years, Musk’s political views have shifted toward right-wing perspectives, frequently addressing topics such as diversity initiatives, election fraud, and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.