Tesla CEO Elon Musk made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During a recent interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk vowed to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
He expressed strong opposition to gender-reassignment procedures, labeling them as “child mutilation and sterilization.” Musk’s daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16 and has since distanced herself from her father’s last name, underwent gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic.
Musk claimed he was misled into consenting to treatment for one of his children amid the confusion caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He asserted that he feared his child might attempt suicide at that time. Musk criticized the practice of providing such treatments to minors who are “far below the age of consent,” aligning with Peterson’s view that it is “incredibly evil” and deserving of legal repercussions for those advocating it. He added that he was never made aware that puberty blockers act as sterilization drugs, although it is known that puberty blockers do not directly affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk stated, claiming that he lost his son in the process and referring to the term “deadnaming,” which signifies a loss of identity for transgender individuals.
Musk’s remarks come shortly after he announced plans for his companies, including X and SpaceX, to relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation restricts schools from notifying parents if their child identifies as transgender and requires the state to support LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans rhetoric.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating that she wanted to sever ties with her biological father. Musk attributed his strained relationship with her to her progressive school in Los Angeles, stating that his feelings towards this situation contribute to his outspoken “anti-woke” stance.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left politics to adopt more right-wing views, endorsing candidates like former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who both support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.