Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed controversial views regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He vowed to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
Musk, who leads multiple companies including X and Tesla, criticized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He stated that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16.
In the interview, Musk described a past incident involving his son where he felt misled into signing documents. He noted that he was urged to act quickly due to concerns about potential suicide risks, amidst the confusion of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musk expressed strong opposition to the procedures performed on minors, labeling them “incredibly evil” and suggesting that promoters of such practices should face imprisonment. He also claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, although it’s noted that puberty blockers themselves do not directly affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk stated. “I lost my son, essentially,” referencing the terminology used in the transgender community regarding the deadname of individuals.
These comments followed Musk’s announcement that several of his businesses, including Tesla and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, largely in response to California’s AB1955 legislation. This law prohibits schools from enforcing rules that require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
Wilson sought a name change and new birth certificate in 2022, expressing a desire to sever ties with Musk entirely. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk attributes the strained relationship to the progressive nature of Wilson’s school in Los Angeles, suggesting that it has influenced her views against him.
In recent times, Musk has shifted from his previously moderate political stance to align more closely with right-wing rhetoric, particularly on issues such as diversity, election integrity, and immigration. He endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance earlier this month, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.