Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, which led him to express a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.” Musk’s comments were shared during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
The CEO, who runs multiple companies including X, described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He noted that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk stated he felt “tricked” into allowing one of his sons to undergo procedures, expressing regret over what he framed as a lack of understanding amidst the confusion brought on by COVID-19. He claimed that he was warned about the possibility of suicide if he did not consent to the care. Additionally, Musk argued that children undergoing such treatments are often “far below the age of consent” and echoed Peterson’s sentiments that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that those who do so should face imprisonment.
He also claimed never to have been informed that puberty blockers serve as sterilization drugs, despite the fact that puberty blockers alone do not impact fertility. Musk lamented the loss of his son, whom he refers to as “dead” due to the transition, pointing out the term “deadnaming” as indicative of his feelings about the situation.
These comments emerged shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would join Tesla in relocating to Texas, influenced by California’s AB1955 or the SAFETY Act. This law restricts schools from having to notify parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating she wished to sever ties with her biological father entirely. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk attributes his strained relationship with Wilson to her progressive school in Los Angeles, suggesting it is a motivating factor behind his expressed anti-woke outlook.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance to align more closely with right-wing views, touching on topics such as diversity initiatives and election integrity. This month, he also endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.