Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial comments regarding his estranged transgender daughter, stating that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus,” criticizing gender-reassignment surgery and labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He recounted that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who publicly came out as transgender at 16, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk claimed he was misled into signing documents for Wilson, asserting that he was unaware of the implications of such actions at the time. He indicated that there was concern for her mental health, suggesting that he was informed she might consider suicide. According to Musk, procedures involving children below the age of consent are “incredibly evil,” and he expressed that those who promote such care should face imprisonment. He also expressed regret over not understanding that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization.
Musk’s comments came shortly after he announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, citing discontent with California’s SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from enforcing rules that would require parental notification if a student identifies as transgender while offering resources for LGBTQ+ children.
His daughter, in 2022, filed for a name change and sought to dissociate from her father, stating in court documents a desire to no longer be connected to him. Musk has attributed the rift in their relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles, as suggested in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him. As Musk’s political views have shifted toward right-wing ideologies in recent years, he has increasingly voiced opposition to various social initiatives, including those related to diversity and immigration. Earlier this month, he publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, who are known for their stances against clean energy.