Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his commitment to “destroying the woke mind virus” and labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He stated that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who publicly came out as transgender at the age of 16, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk described feeling misled when he signed documents regarding his child’s transition, citing a sense of urgency fueled by concerns that his child might attempt suicide. He emphasized that this process is performed on minors who are below the age of consent, and he expressed strong opposition to those who advocate for it, suggesting they should face imprisonment. Musk also claimed that he was under the impression that puberty blockers were explained to him as being sterilization drugs, even though it is noted that puberty blockers do not directly affect fertility.
In his remarks, Musk alleged, “I was tricked into doing this… I lost my son, essentially.” He pointed out that the term ‘deadnaming’ signifies that, in his view, his son is no longer the person he once was.
This statement from Musk comes shortly after he announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, citing California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from imposing rules that require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates the State Department to supply resources to support LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced accusations in the past regarding transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging.
His daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate in 2022, expressing her desire to no longer be associated with her biological father. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk attributes his strained relationship with Wilson to her progressive schooling in Los Angeles, which he believes has influenced his anti-woke sentiments.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously moderate political views to adopt increasingly right-wing positions on various issues, including diversity, electoral integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he publicly endorsed the Republican presidential ticket, which includes former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support traditional energy sources over clean energy initiatives.