Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, aired on Monday.
Musk condemned gender-reassignment surgery, referring to it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who identifies as transgender, received such care during the pandemic at the age of 16. Musk stated that he felt misled when he signed documents pertaining to Wilson’s care, as he was under significant stress during the COVID-19 crisis, which led him to believe his child was at risk of suicide.
Musk criticized the medical processes involved, stating that they are applied to children who are far too young to give consent, and aligned with Peterson’s view that it is “incredibly evil.” He expressed regret over not understanding that puberty blockers could lead to long-term consequences, including infertility, although experts clarify that puberty blockers alone do not sterilize individuals.
He lamented the loss of his son, indicating that the act of “deadnaming” reflects a profound change in his relationship with his child. Musk’s comments follow his announcement that both X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas due to California’s SB 1955, which restricts parental notification about children’s transgender identities and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
Wilson, in 2022, sought a legal name change and requested a new birth certificate, indicating she wished to sever ties with her father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the influence of her progressive schooling, suggesting that this discord has fueled his anti-woke beliefs.
Over the past few years, Musk has shifted from his previously centrist political stance to adopt right-wing rhetoric, voicing opposition to various progressive policies. Recently, he endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for traditional energy sources over clean energy initiatives.