Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk made these comments during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which was aired on Monday. He described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” Musk’s daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16, having received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
“I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” Musk said, referring to Wilson, who has since changed her last name. He expressed his confusion during the pandemic, explaining that he was led to believe his child might be at risk of suicide.
Musk argued that such procedures are performed on children “far below the age of consent,” agreeing with Peterson that the practice is “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those who promote it should face imprisonment. He claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers are “actually just sterilization drugs,” although it should be noted that puberty blockers do not, on their own, impact fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk declared. “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
These comments come shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates the State Department to provide resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has been criticized in the past for allegedly engaging in transphobic rhetoric.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court that she no longer wishes to “be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form.” According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, the lack of a relationship with his daughter stems from her progressive school in Los Angeles, which Musk claims has influenced her views.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his formerly center-left political stance to adopting more right-wing perspectives on various issues, including diversity initiatives, election fraud, and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former president Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.