Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated that his transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to express his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus.” Musk made these remarks during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, where he criticized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk, who oversees several companies including X, mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16. He reflected on being “tricked” into signing documents relating to her transition, asserting that this happened before he fully understood the implications, particularly during the confusion of the COVID pandemic. He claimed he was told there was a risk of suicide involved.
He further condemned the practice of providing gender-affirming treatments to minors, indicating that he agrees with Peterson’s view that it is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that those who promote such practices should face imprisonment. Musk also claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers could serve as “sterilization drugs,” although it is important to note that puberty blockers by themselves do not directly affect fertility.
Musk expressed regret, stating, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” highlighting the emotional weight he places on the term “deadnaming” associated with transgender identities.
These comments followed Musk’s announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, will relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955, also known as the SAFETY Act. This law restricts schools from notifying parents when a child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ supportive initiatives.
His daughter applied for a name change and new birth certificate last year, explicitly stating her desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has suggested that their strained relationship stems from her progressive education in Los Angeles, with biographer Walter Isaacson noting that this tension influences Musk’s “anti-woke sentiments.”
In a shift from his previously moderate political views, Musk has recently embraced more right-wing perspectives, addressing various issues such as diversity and immigration. Earlier this month, he voiced support for the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.