Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He expressed his desire to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
In the interview, Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 after receiving gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He stated, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” referring to Wilson, who has since distanced herself from her father by changing her last name.
Musk explained that he felt pressured to consent, citing concerns about potential suicidal thoughts. He further asserted that children who are underage are subjected to these procedures and expressed agreement with Peterson on the topic, calling it “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those who support it should face imprisonment. Musk, who has fathered 12 children, claimed he was never informed that puberty blockers could act as sterilization drugs, although it is known that puberty blockers alone do not directly affect fertility.
He lamented, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” and commented on the term “deadnaming,” stating that it signifies the death of his relationship with his son.
Musk’s remarks follow his recent decision to relocate his companies, including X and SpaceX, from California to Texas, partly due to the state’s AB1955, or SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from enforcing rules that require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has been criticized in the past for alleged transphobic statements.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter filed for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating her desire to sever all ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the progressive environment of her school. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk’s strained relationship with Wilson has influenced his outspoken “anti-woke” views.
Musk, who previously held centrist political views, has increasingly embraced right-wing positions on various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both notable supporters of the oil industry and opponents of clean energy initiatives.