Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made shocking remarks about his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, which has prompted him to declare a mission to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk expressed these views during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. He characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at the age of 16, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
In the interview, Musk indicated that he felt misled into supporting his child’s transition, stating, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.” He mentioned the confusion during COVID and the pressures he faced, including concerns that his child might contemplate suicide.
Musk criticized the processes of gender transition in children who are below the age of consent, echoing Peterson’s sentiments that promoting such transitions is “incredibly evil” and should result in imprisonment for advocates. He claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers are effectively sterilization drugs, a misunderstanding he said has profoundly impacted him.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented. “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
His comments follow a recent announcement that he plans to relocate X and SpaceX to Texas, distancing himself from 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 previously faced accusations of transphobia and having anti-trans views.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, stating she wishes to sever all ties with her biological father. Musk attributes the estrangement to her progressive education in Los Angeles, with claims made in Walter Isaacson’s biography suggesting that the strained relationship with Wilson fuels Musk’s “anti-woke sentiments.”
Musk, who previously held more centrist political views, has increasingly aligned himself with right-wing ideas, touching on a range of topics from diversity measures to election integrity. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom are known for their support of traditional energy sources over clean energy initiatives.