Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed profound concerns about gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was “killed” by the effects of this care, stating his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” criticizing the care his daughter received during the pandemic when she came out as transgender at the age of 16. He indicated that he felt misled into signing documents regarding his child’s transition, recounting that he was told Wilson might take her own life.
The billionaire entrepreneur argued that such procedures are performed on minors who are not of the age of consent and echoed Peterson’s sentiment that promoting these treatments is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that those who advocate for them should face imprisonment. Despite acknowledging his 12 children, Musk claimed that he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, although these drugs alone do not directly affect fertility.
Musk stated, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” referring to his daughter in the context of “deadnaming,” a term used when someone refers to a transgender person by their birth name.
This discourse follows Musk’s announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955 law, which prohibits schools from notifying parents if their child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
Last year, Wilson sought a legal name change and a new birth certificate, claiming she no longer wishes to be connected to her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to progressive educational influences in Los Angeles, as reflected in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left views toward adopting more right-wing perspectives on various issues, including diversity efforts and election integrity. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential campaign of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.