Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed strong opinions about his transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk declared he would seek to “destroy the woke mind virus,” labeling gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 after undergoing gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic.
Musk stated he felt deceived into allowing medical decisions for Wilson, who has since distanced herself from their family name. He conveyed that he was led to believe his child might consider suicide, resulting in confusion during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Musk criticized the practice of gender-affirming treatment for minors, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil” and should be punishable by imprisonment. He claimed that he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers are essentially sterilization drugs.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented, adding that he feels he has effectively lost his son, referring to the term “deadnaming” which signifies the death of his relationship with Wilson.
His remarks come following his announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate from California to Texas, influenced by recent legislation like California’s AB1955, which restricts parental notification concerning a child’s transgender identity in schools. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans sentiments in the past.
In 2022, Wilson filed for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she wished to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the progressive environment of her school in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography, suggesting that his fractured relationship with Wilson fuels his growing “anti-woke” views.
Over the past few years, Musk has shifted from his previously moderate political stance towards more right-wing perspectives, echoing conservative views on a range of issues, including diversity initiatives and election integrity. Recently, he supported the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the fossil fuel industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.