Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care. He expressed his determination to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, which aired on Monday.
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” noting that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He recalled feeling misled when he signed documents regarding Wilson’s care, stating that he was led to believe it was a matter of life or death due to potential suicidal ideation.
Musk criticized medical interventions for children who are below the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson’s views that promoting such treatments is “incredibly evil” and should warrant imprisonment for advocates. Despite having 12 children, Musk stated that he was never adequately informed that puberty blockers were “actually just sterilization drugs.”
He voiced his belief that he lost his son in the process, referring to the practice of “deadnaming,” which he described as indicative of a greater loss.
His comments follow a recent announcement that X and SpaceX will relocate to Texas, echoing his disapproval of California’s AB 1955, which prevents schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. The legislation also mandates the State Department to offer support to LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced numerous allegations of transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, declaring she no longer wishes to be associated with her father in any manner. Musk has attributed the estrangement from his daughter to the influence of her progressive school in Los Angeles, claiming it fueled his anti-woke sentiments.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance, increasingly adopting right-wing views on issues such as diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he expressed support for the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.