Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks about his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, alleging that she was “killed” by gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus” and labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He noted that his daughter started her transition when she was 16 and received gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic.
Musk stated he felt “tricked” into agreeing to documents regarding his child’s care, referring to Wilson by her birth name. He claimed the decision was made amid confusion during the COVID pandemic and under the impression that his child’s life was at risk. Musk expressed disapproval of the procedures being offered to minors, arguing that they should not undergo such treatments before the age of consent and described the promotion of these treatments as “incredibly evil.”
He also criticized the use of puberty blockers, stating he was not informed that they function as sterilization drugs, despite research suggesting otherwise. Musk lamented the loss of connection with his son, asserting that the term “deadnaming” captures the profound nature of his loss.
These comments come shortly after Musk announced plans to relocate his companies, including X and SpaceX, to Texas, in response to California’s SAFETY Act. This legislation includes provisions that prevent schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender and provides support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging over the years.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and indicated she wished to sever her ties with her father. Musk has attributed the strained relationship to her education in a progressive school. His estrangement from Wilson is said to have influenced his growing anti-woke rhetoric.
In recent times, Musk has moved away from his previously center-left views, embracing more right-wing stances on topics including diversity, election integrity, and immigration issues. He recently endorsed the Republican presidential ticket led by former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.