Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently claimed that his estranged transgender daughter suffered detrimental effects after receiving gender-affirming care, asserting that this led him to a commitment to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
Musk made these statements during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, which aired Monday. He referred to gender reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” His daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk expressed that he felt misled when he signed documents concerning his child, noting that he was under considerable stress due to COVID-19 and was told that his child might be at risk of suicide. He indicated that he didn’t understand the implications of the treatment at the time, criticizing the practice of administering medical interventions to minors before they reach the age of consent. Musk stated that he and Peterson consider such actions to be morally wrong and deserving of severe punishment for those who advocate for them.
He lamented the estrangement from his child, describing the experience of “deadnaming,” which refers to the use of a person’s former name, as equivalent to losing a child. Musk has previously spoken on issues of fertility and population decline and claimed he was never informed that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, although these treatments do not directly impact future fertility.
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced plans for X and SpaceX to relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, known as the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from mandating that parents be notified if their child identifies as transgender and requires the state to offer resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a legal name change and a new birth certificate, stating that she did not wish to maintain any legal ties to her father. Musk has attributed the breakdown in their relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, the rift with Wilson has influenced Musk’s evolving anti-woke rhetoric.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previous centrist views towards more right-wing stances on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration. Earlier this month, he publicly endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of the oil industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.