Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his discontent regarding his estranged transgender daughter during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He claimed that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, which led him to vow to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, transitioned at the age of 16 and received care during the pandemic. He stated that he felt misled when he consented to treatment for her, stating, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents” and that he was told his child might be at risk of suicide.
He expressed his belief that such procedures are being performed on minors who cannot give consent and agreed with Peterson that it is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that those who promote these practices should face imprisonment. Musk, who has a total of 12 children, claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers could be classified as sterilization drugs, although these treatments do not inherently affect fertility.
Musk lamented, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” emphasizing the significance of the term “deadnaming.”
These statements followed Musk’s announcement that companies he leads, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and new birth certificate, stating in court that she wishes to disassociate from her biological father completely. According to historian Walter Isaacson, Musk has attributed the rift in their relationship to Wilson’s progressive education in Los Angeles, suggesting that her estrangement contributes to his “anti-woke sentiments.”
Over recent years, Musk, who was once recognized for his center-left viewpoints, has increasingly embraced right-wing rhetoric, particularly relating to issues such as diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket featuring 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.