Tesla CEO Elon Musk sparked controversy during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where he discussed his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. Musk claimed that after receiving gender-affirming care, his daughter was “killed,” leading him to express his mission to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that Wilson, who came out as transgender at age 16, had undergone this care during the pandemic. He mentioned feeling misled into signing documents related to his older child and expressed that he was worried about Wilson’s mental health amid the confusion caused by COVID-19.
He criticized the treatment of minors, arguing that it occurs before they reach the age of consent, echoing Peterson’s sentiments about the issue being “incredibly evil.” Musk further asserted that he was not informed that puberty blockers are effectively sterilization drugs, despite that these blockers alone do not impact fertility.
Musk expressed regret, saying, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” referencing the term “deadnaming” which he associates with the loss of his relationship with Wilson.
This discussion follows Musk’s decision for his companies, including Tesla, X, and SpaceX, to relocate to Texas, motivated by California’s AB1955, also known as the SAFETY Act. Musk has been vocal against this legislation, which prohibits schools from requiring parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and supports LGBTQ+ children.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change, stating in court documents that she wanted to sever ties with her father completely. Musk has attributed his estrangement with Wilson to her progressive education in Los Angeles, with biographer Walter Isaacson suggesting that this strained relationship has contributed to Musk’s current “anti-woke” perspective.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left views to embracing right-wing rhetoric, aligning himself with conservative narratives on various issues including diversity, election integrity, and immigration policies. He also recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket, including former president Donald Trump, and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.