Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial statements regarding his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that his daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, fueling his intention to combat what he refers to as the “woke mind virus.”
Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization” and expressed concerns that young children, who are below the age of consent, are subjected to such procedures. He recounted his experience of feeling misled into signing documents related to his child’s transition, stating that he was under significant stress during the pandemic and was warned about potential suicidal risks.
He further remarked that he felt he had lost his son and criticized the terminology of “deadnaming,” which he believes signifies that his son is no longer alive due to the transition. Musk insisted that he was not informed that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization.
These remarks come shortly after Musk announced that his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, would be relocating to Texas as a response to California’s recent legislation known as AB1955, which prevents schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth.
Musk has previously faced accusations of engaging in transphobic rhetoric. His relationship with his daughter has reportedly been strained; she applied for a name change in 2022, stating in court documents that she wished to sever all ties with her biological father. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk has attributed this estrangement to the influence of progressive education in her upbringing.
In recent years, Musk has shifted his political views from a center-left stance to increasingly adopt right-wing perspectives on various issues, including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. He recently endorsed the Republican ticket led by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their opposition to clean energy initiatives.