Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed strong opinions regarding his estranged transgender daughter, whom he claimed was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. This statement was made during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where Musk declared his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” after revealing that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16. He recounts feeling misled when he agreed to documents regarding Wilson’s care, mentioning a situation of confusion during the COVID-19 pandemic and fear around the potential for suicide.
He criticized the processes involved in treating children “who are far below the age of consent,” aligning himself with Peterson’s condemnation of the practice, claiming it to be “incredibly evil,” and suggested that those who promote it should face imprisonment. While Musk has 12 children and often speaks about fertility, he stated he was not informed that puberty blockers could effectively act as sterilization drugs, though it is noted that puberty blockers by themselves do not impact fertility.
Musk expressed a sense of loss regarding his son, attributing to the term “deadnaming” the notion that his son no longer exists. His comments coincided with his announcement that companies such as X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, following legislation in California that influences how schools handle gender identity notification.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change, indicating in court filings her desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has suggested that her progressive schooling in Los Angeles has contributed to their estrangement, which he believes is a factor behind his “anti-woke sentiments.”
In recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left to right-wing political stances, openly supporting Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, who both advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.