Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after she received gender-affirming care, stating that this prompted him to seek to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson that aired on Monday, Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at 16 and underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk reflected that he felt he was misled when he signed documents regarding Wilson’s care, stating, “This was really before I had any understanding of what was going on.” He expressed concern over the emotional state of children who may be contemplating suicide, which contributed to his decision.
He argued that such medical interventions are performed on children too young to provide consent, echoing Peterson’s sentiment that it is “incredibly evil” and suggesting that advocates for such treatments should face imprisonment. Musk also claimed that he was not fully informed about the implications of puberty blockers, asserting they should be understood as sterilization drugs, although it is noted that puberty blockers alone do not impact fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk stated, adding that he essentially lost his son, as the term “deadnaming” signifies that he feels the person he once knew is gone.
Musk’s remarks came shortly after he announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, citing California’s AB1955, which restricts schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. The legislation also mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced criticism in the past for alleged transphobia and anti-trans sentiments.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change, indicating that she did not wish to have any relationship with Musk. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to her progressive education, with biographer Walter Isaacson suggesting that this estrangement fuels Musk’s anti-woke rhetoric.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political views toward more right-wing positions on various issues including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support traditional energy industries and oppose clean energy initiatives.