Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, asserting that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care and expressing his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus.” These statements were made during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, aired Monday.
Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and shared that Wilson, who came out as transgender at the age of 16, began receiving gender-affirming care during the pandemic. He mentioned feeling “tricked” into signing documents concerning Wilson’s care, claiming he was misled about the implications and was concerned for her well-being amidst the confusion caused by COVID-19.
During the interview, Musk criticized the care provided to children who have not reached the age of consent and aligned with Peterson’s opinion that promoting such treatments is “incredibly evil.” He expressed belief that individuals encouraging these practices should face imprisonment. Musk, who has twelve children, argued that he was not informed that puberty blockers could be viewed as sterilization drugs; however, it is important to note that puberty blockers alone do not affect fertility.
Musk claimed, “I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the concept of “deadnaming,” which implies the loss of identity in this context. His remarks follow his announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, citing California’s SAFETY Act, which prohibits certain notifications to parents about transgender identification in schools and promotes resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change, stating in court documents that she no longer wishes to have any relation with her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to the progressive nature of her school, according to biographer Walter Isaacson, who suggested that this estrangement contributes to Musk’s outspoken “anti-woke sentiments.”
Historically known for leaning towards center-left politics, Musk has increasingly adopted right-wing perspectives on various issues such as diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he supported the Republican presidential candidacy of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.