Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed his estranged transgender daughter during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, claiming that she was “killed” following gender-affirming care, which fueled his commitment to combat what he described as the “woke mind virus.”
Musk, who oversees several companies including X, referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
He expressed regret at being “tricked” into signing documents related to Wilson’s care, as there was a sense of urgency with reports of potential suicide. Musk lamented that decisions were made without a full understanding at the time and criticized treatments administered to children below the age of consent, aligning with Peterson’s views that he deemed “incredibly evil.” Musk described the use of puberty blockers, which he claims were presented to him without an explanation of their potential impacts on fertility, as a form of deception.
In expressing his distress over his daughter’s transition, Musk stated, “I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the term “deadnaming” as indicative of loss.
His comments came shortly after announcing plans for X and SpaceX to relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act, which involves regulations regarding parental notification about transgender identity in schools. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans narratives.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and new birth certificate, indicating she no longer wished to be associated with Musk. According to a biography by Walter Isaacson, Musk attributes their fractured relationship to the progressive school Wilson attended, suggesting it has exacerbated his anti-woke viewpoints.
Musk has increasingly adopted right-wing positions on issues such as diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican candidacy of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their pro-oil industry stances and opposition to clean energy.