Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, asserting that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his determination to “destroy the woke mind virus,” describing gender-reassignment procedures as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk’s daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at 16. During the interview, Musk stated that he felt “tricked” into signing documents related to his older child’s transition, attributing this confusion to the chaotic circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. He claimed that he was led to believe that his child might be at risk of suicide if gender-affirming care was not provided.
He expressed his views on the implications of such medical procedures for children, asserting that they are often performed on those “far below the age of consent.” Musk agreed with Peterson’s condemnation of these practices, labeling them as “incredibly evil.” He claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers could be considered sterilization drugs, although these blockers typically do not affect long-term fertility.
Musk expressed deep regret over losing his son, indicating that the term “deadnaming” reflects a profound loss. He stated, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially.”
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, following California’s enactment of the SAFETY Act, which prevents schools from requiring parent notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates resources for LGBTQ+-identifying children. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In court documents from 2022, Wilson requested a name change and new birth certificate, stating her desire to no longer be associated with her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to her progressive school in Los Angeles, suggesting that the strained relationship informs his current anti-woke sentiments.
Over the past few years, Musk has shifted from his original centrist views to embrace more right-wing positions on various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.