Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed strong opinions regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk stated that his daughter was “killed” by receiving gender-affirming care, which has led him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.” He characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
In the interview, Musk reflected on his experiences with Wilson, who publicly came out as transgender at the age of 16. He mentioned feeling misled when he signed documents related to her transition, highlighting the confusion caused by the pandemic at the time. Musk stated he felt pressured to act due to concerns for her mental health, specifically a potential risk of suicide.
Musk further criticized treatments for children below the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson’s assertion that promoting such procedures is “incredibly evil” and calling for legal consequences for those who advocate for it. He claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers could function as sterilization drugs, although medical experts clarify that puberty blockers are not inherently sterilizing.
Expressing his deep feelings of loss regarding his relationship with Wilson, Musk referred to the term “deadnaming,” which involves using a person’s former name after they have transitioned, indicating that he felt the identity of his son had been lost.
These comments arose shortly after Musk announced that his various companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, a move partly in response to California’s legislation that protects the rights of transgender students. Musk’s statements have drawn criticism, with some accusing him of promoting anti-trans messaging.
Wilson, who sought a name change and a new birth certificate in 2022, expressed in court documents her desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to the influence of Wilson’s progressive education in Los Angeles, suggesting that it has fueled his anti-woke sentiments. In recent years, Musk has shifted towards adopting right-wing views on various topics, including diversity initiatives and clean energy, endorsing the Republican party in the recent political landscape.