Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, claiming her identity was responsible for her being “killed” after she received gender-affirming care. During a recent interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk declared his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus” and referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk shared that he felt misled into signing documents relating to his child’s transition, suggesting that he was pressured during a time of confusion amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed that there was concern for her mental health, fearing she might attempt suicide. Musk emphasized his belief that such medical procedures should not involve children who are below the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson’s assertion that advocating for these procedures is “incredibly evil” and should result in imprisonment for advocates.
Despite having numerous children, Musk criticized the lack of transparency regarding puberty blockers, which he argued were misrepresented to him as they have sterilization effects, though they do not affect fertility independently. He lamented the loss of his son and referred to the concept of “deadnaming,” indicating he feels a sense of loss for the child he once knew.
These statements follow Musk’s recent decision to relocate Tesla and his other businesses, including X and SpaceX, to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, which restricts parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and promotes resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she wished to sever ties with her father entirely. Musk, as stated in Walter Isaacson’s biography, has attributed their strained relationship to the progressive environment of her school in Los Angeles. This estrangement is reportedly a driving factor behind Musk’s growing “anti-woke” sentiments.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left stance to adopting more right-wing views on various issues, including diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration policies. He has recently endorsed the Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.