Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his determination to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and reflected on his daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He mentioned feeling misled into signing documents pertaining to her care, asserting that this occurred during a tumultuous time due to COVID-19.
Musk criticized the provision of such medical procedures to minors, agreeing with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those who promote it should face imprisonment. He claimed that he was not properly informed that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs, despite them not affecting fertility on their own.
He stated, “I was tricked into doing this,” and lamented that he feels he has lost his son, as reflected in his comments about “deadnaming.” His remarks come shortly after announcing his plans to relocate X and SpaceX to Texas, motivated by a California law that limits parental notification if a child identifies as transgender.
Musk’s daughter sought a name change in 2022, expressing a desire to no longer be associated with him. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk attributes their estrangement to her progressive schooling. The dynamics of this relationship are said to influence Musk’s public stance against “woke” culture.
Once recognized for his moderate political views, Musk has recently shifted towards right-wing rhetoric, addressing topics such as diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican party’s presidential ticket, which includes former president Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their opposition to clean energy initiatives.