Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” following the gender-affirming care she received. He expressed a desire to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus” in an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson that aired on Monday.
Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16. He reflected on a moment when he felt “tricked” into signing documents related to her care, claiming it was under the threat that his child might contemplate suicide.
He criticized the process for children who are not of legal consent age, aligning with Peterson’s assertion that it is “incredibly evil” and should result in imprisonment for promoters of such practices. Musk also claimed that he wasn’t informed that puberty blockers are effectively sterilization drugs, although these medications do not inherently affect fertility on their own.
Musk lamented, “I lost my son, essentially,” and discussed the concept of “deadnaming,” indicating that his son is essentially gone as a result of this situation.
These comments came shortly after Musk announced that companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas due to California’s AB1955, which prohibits schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth support. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans messages in the past.
In 2022, his daughter applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, declaring she no longer wishes to be related to Musk. He attributed their estrangement to her progressive education in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography, which suggests that this strained relationship has influenced Musk’s anti-woke views.
Historically known for his moderate political stance, Musk has shifted to adopt more right-wing rhetoric in recent years, addressing topics including diversity initiatives and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom are known for their stances on the oil industry and opposition to renewable energy.