Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk claimed that his daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, leading him to express a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and shared that Wilson came out as transgender at the age of 16, shortly after receiving gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He stated that he felt misled into signing documents relating to her care, emphasizing that he was not fully aware of the implications at the time.
The Tesla CEO expressed concern about children undergoing such procedures before reaching the age of consent, asserting that it is “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those who support it should face imprisonment. Despite his 12 children and advocacy for fertility, Musk claimed he was never informed that puberty blockers act as sterilization drugs. He emphasized the emotional impact of the situation, saying, “I was tricked into doing this… The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
Musk’s remarks come shortly after he announced that his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, would be relocating to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, which prohibits schools from enforcing rules requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. This legislative measure also obligates the State Department to provide resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messages in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, expressing a desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk attributed the strained relationship to Wilson’s progressive schooling in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. Isaacson suggested that Musk’s sentiments towards a “woke” ideology are influenced by his relationship with Wilson.
Over the past few years, Musk has shifted from center-left politics towards the right, revisiting issues such as diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their opposition to clean energy initiatives.