Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” following her gender-affirming care. This statement has reinforced his position to combat what he describes as 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 shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, began her transition during the pandemic at the age of 16.
Musk recounted feeling misled when he signed documents regarding his child’s care, stating, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.” He expressed regret over the situation, mentioning that he was under pressure due to concerns about his child’s mental health.
He expressed strong opposition to procedures for minors, agreeing with Peterson’s characterization of such actions as “incredibly evil,” and suggested that individuals promoting them should face imprisonment. Musk also asserted that he was not fully informed that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs, despite their known effects on fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented, emphasizing feelings of loss regarding his son. He referred to the concept of “deadnaming” to highlight his sense of loss over his child’s former identity.
These comments arose shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would move operations from California to Texas in reaction to California’s AB1955 law. This legislation restricts schools from mandating parental notification when a student identifies as transgender and mandates support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans sentiments in the past.
In 2022, Wilson applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents her desire to sever ties with her biological father. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, the estrangement is linked to Musk’s “anti-woke” sentiments and his criticism of progressive influences associated with her education.
Once known for more centrist views, Musk has increasingly aligned with right-wing ideologies on various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he backed the Republican presidential ticket led by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both staunch advocates for the oil industry and opponents of clean energy initiatives.