Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” by receiving gender-affirming care. He made these statements during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where he expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus.” Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and stated that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at 16 and underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk mentioned feeling deceived into signing documents regarding Wilson’s care when he was unaware of the implications, which he claims was exacerbated by the confusion surrounding COVID-19. He expressed concern for his child’s welfare, stating that he was told she might attempt suicide. Musk condemned the medical procedures for children who are not of legal age, echoing Peterson’s sentiment that they are “incredibly evil” and should result in imprisonment for those who advocate for them. He asserted that he was misled into believing puberty blockers were harmless, stating, “I was tricked into doing this,” and lamented losing his son, emphasizing the significance of “deadnaming” in the transgender community.
These comments came shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act, which prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, expressing in court documents her desire to have no connection to her biological father. Musk has attributed the strain in their relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. Isaacson suggests that Musk’s strained relationship with Wilson has influenced his increasing alignment with “anti-woke” ideology.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted toward right-wing viewpoints, distancing himself from his previous center-left stance. This month, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.