Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care, leading him to express his intention to combat what he referred to 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, transitioned and came out as transgender at the age of 16, with her treatment occurring during the pandemic.
Musk mentioned feeling pressured to sign documents regarding his daughter’s care, claiming he was unaware of the specifics at the time and was informed that she might be at risk of suicide. He expressed distress over the procedures being conducted on young children who are below the age of consent and justified his position by stating that it is “incredibly evil” to promote such treatments, suggesting that proponents should face imprisonment. Musk, who has a total of 12 children, also mentioned that he was not made aware that puberty blockers could be considered “sterilization drugs,” even though they do not affect fertility independently.
In his remarks, Musk lamented, “I lost my son, essentially,” reflecting on the impact of language surrounding transition, specifically the term “deadnaming.” He indicated that his daughter’s decision to change her name was part of a broader disconnect in their relationship.
Musk’s comments follow his announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas in response to California legislation known as AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This law prohibits schools from enforcing policies that require parental notification when a child identifies as transgender and mandates state resources to support LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has previously faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging.
In 2022, his daughter applied for a legal name change, stating a desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk attributed their estrangement to her progressive schooling in Los Angeles, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography. The strained relationship has been suggested as a catalyst for Musk’s recent “anti-woke” sentiments.
Historically known for his moderate political stance, Musk has increasingly adopted right-wing viewpoints, especially on topics such as diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican ticket of former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for traditional energy policies and oppose clean energy initiatives.