Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently sparked controversy in an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, claiming that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” by gender-affirming care. Musk announced his intent to fight what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
During the conversation, Musk described gender-reassignment surgeries as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, underwent gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic and publicly came out as transgender at the age of 16.
Musk expressed feelings of being “tricked” into consenting to medical decisions regarding Wilson, stating that the confusion surrounding COVID-19 exacerbated the situation. He claimed that he was informed his child might be at risk of suicide if not supported in her transition.
He criticized the practices involved in transgender care for minors, asserting that they are “incredibly evil” and suggested that those who promote such treatments should face imprisonment. Musk, who has 12 children, also stated that he was not made aware that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs, despite the fact that they do not independently affect fertility.
Musk lamented, “I lost my son, essentially,” alluding to Wilson’s decision to change her name and sever ties with him. He indicated that the terminology used in the transgender community, such as “deadnaming,” reflects a profound loss.
His remarks come shortly after announcing that his companies, including X and SpaceX, plan to relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955, or SAFETY Act, which mandates that schools do not have to inform parents if their child identifies as transgender. This legislation also seeks to provide state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced numerous accusations of promoting anti-trans messages.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change, indicating a desire to dissociate herself from Musk entirely. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk believes that the ideological environment in Wilson’s progressive school in Los Angeles has contributed to their estranged relationship, which he argues is a factor behind his outspoken anti-woke views.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his formerly center-left political stance to increasingly echo right-wing rhetoric on various issues, including diversity policies and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for traditional energy sectors over clean energy initiatives.