Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, stating that she was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care. This prompted Musk to declare his intention to combat what he refers to as the “woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic and identified as transgender at the age of 16.
Musk expressed regret about being misled into signing documents related to his daughter’s care, saying he was given the impression that it was crucial for her mental health due to concerns about suicide during that tumultuous time. He asserted that decisions affecting children should not occur before they reach the age of consent, echoing Peterson’s view that such practices are “incredibly evil,” and added that he believes those who endorse them should face imprisonment.
Claiming that he was misinformed about the nature of puberty blockers, Musk stated he did not realize these treatments could effectively lead to sterilization, even though such drugs alone do not inherently affect fertility.
Musk also lamented the loss of his son, asserting that the term ‘deadnaming’ reflects a deeper loss, as he feels he no longer has a relationship with his child as he once knew them.
These statements come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, a law that aims to support LGBTQ+ children and protect their identities in schools. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and has previously been criticized for promoting anti-trans rhetoric.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a legal name change and new birth certificate, expressing a desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles, a point noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him. This tumultuous relationship with Wilson is suggested to fuel Musk’s recent anti-woke sentiments.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously moderate political stance towards more right-wing positions, criticizing various social issues while recently endorsing the Republican presidential ticket, including former president Donald Trump.