Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding 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 a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus” and condemned gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He expressed regret at having signed documents for her care, stating he felt misled and was worried about her mental health amid COVID-related confusion. He mentioned that decision-making around such procedures is often imposed on children who are below the age of consent and agreed with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil,” suggesting imprisonment for those who support it.
The billionaire, who has 12 children, claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers could be considered sterilization drugs, despite research indicating that they do not solely affect fertility. Musk reiterated feelings of loss, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the concept of “deadnaming,” which he said underscores the gravity of the situation.
These comments by Musk come shortly after he announced plans for X and SpaceX to relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act, which influences school policies related to transgender students. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia in the past.
His daughter took steps in 2022 to legally change her name and obtain a new birth certificate, indicating her desire to sever ties with her father legally. Reports suggest that Musk attributes their strained relationship to her progressive education in Los Angeles, which has been noted as a contributing factor to his growing “anti-woke” sentiments.
Over the years, Musk, who initially held center-left political views, has shifted towards right-wing positions on a variety of topics, including diversity initiatives and immigration policies. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential campaign for former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for traditional energy sources.