Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after she received gender-affirming care, leading him to express a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk mentioned feeling misled into signing documents concerning his son, who now identifies as female, highlighting the confusion surrounding the COVID pandemic. He expressed that he was advised his child might be at risk of suicide. Musk argued that such medical processes are administered to minors who are not of legal consent age, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that those who promote such actions should face imprisonment. He also claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could act as sterilization drugs, although these drugs by themselves do not impact fertility.
Musk claimed, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” indicating that the term “deadnaming” reflects the loss he feels regarding his child’s identity.
These comments came shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from enforcing rules that would require notifying parents if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating she no longer wishes to be associated with him in any capacity. Musk has attributed the deterioration of their relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. Isaacson suggests that Musk’s strained connection with Wilson may have influenced his anti-woke rhetoric.
Over the past few years, Musk, who once held more centrist political views, has shifted towards right-wing positions regarding various issues, including diversity efforts and election integrity. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential campaign of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both advocates for traditional energy and opponents of clean energy initiatives.