Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, stating she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming medical care. He expressed his intent to combat what he calls the “woke mind virus” during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He detailed how his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who identifies as transgender, pursued gender-affirming care during the pandemic, at the age of 16. Musk claimed he felt deceived into approving documents concerning his child during a confusing time amid the pandemic, where he was warned about potential suicide risks.
During the discussion, Musk criticized the medical procedures involved, saying they are performed on children “who are far below the age of consent,” and condemned anyone who promotes such treatments. He expressed that he had not been informed that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, though it is important to note that puberty blockers themselves do not directly affect fertility.
Musk articulated feelings of loss regarding his relationship with his daughter, referencing the term “deadnaming” as a way to convey the severed bond with his son. His comments come shortly after he announced the relocation of X, SpaceX, and Tesla to Texas, a move associated with his opposition to California’s SAFETY Act, which restricts parental notification in schools regarding a child’s transgender identity.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court that she wishes to dissociate from her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to the progressive environment at her Los Angeles school. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, the deteriorating relationship with Wilson has been influential in shaping Musk’s recent “anti-woke” views.
In recent times, Musk has shifted from his formerly center-left political stance to align more with right-wing perspectives on various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Earlier this month, he backed the Republican presidential ticket led by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for traditional energy sources and oppose clean energy initiatives.