Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed during an interview that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus” in reaction to this issue.
Musk made these remarks while speaking with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at the age of 16, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk revealed that he felt misled into signing documents related to his daughter’s transition, stating, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.” He recalled that this occurred amidst COVID-19 confusion, and he was concerned about his child’s potential for suicide.
He criticized the process of providing gender-affirming care to minors, asserting that it is “incredibly evil” and calling for anyone who promotes it to face imprisonment. Musk emphasized that he was not aware that puberty blockers were sterilization drugs, although they do not impact fertility on their own.
In his emotional statements, he reflected on the impact of his daughter’s transition, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” and explained the term “deadnaming,” indicating that it represents the death of the identity he once recognized.
These comments followed his announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas due to California’s new SAFETY Act, which restricts parental notification in schools regarding a child identifying as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans sentiments in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, expressing in court documents a desire to sever ties with her biological father. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk has attributed the estrangement to his daughter’s progressive education, linking their troubled relationship to his anti-woke views.
In recent years, Musk’s political stance has shifted from center-left to embracing right-wing viewpoints, addressing various topics including diversity initiatives and election integrity. He recently endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of traditional energy sectors against clean energy initiatives.