Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, claiming that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, had undergone gender-affirming care during the pandemic. Musk mentioned that he felt “tricked” into signing documents related to her care, stating that he was unaware of the implications at the time. He noted that he was concerned for her mental health due to suggestions that she might commit suicide.
He voiced strong disapproval of gender-affirming procedures for minors, asserting that such actions are “incredibly evil” and supported the idea that those advocating for them should face imprisonment. Musk, who has 12 children, claimed he was misinformed about puberty blockers and described losing his son due to the transition, referencing the term “deadnaming” to express his feelings on the situation.
Musk’s comments follow his announcement that both X and SpaceX, along with Tesla, would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, legislation that restricts parental notification in schools regarding a child’s transgender identity and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ children. He has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, his daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, asserting in court documents that she wishes to sever ties with her father entirely. Musk has attributed the estrangement to her progressive education in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk. Isaacson suggested that Musk’s fractious relationship with Wilson underlies some of his “anti-woke sentiments.”
Musk, who previously held centrist views, has been increasingly aligning with right-wing perspectives on various issues, from diversity initiatives to immigration. Recently, he publicly endorsed the Republican ticket featuring former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom are advocates for the oil sector and oppose clean energy initiatives.