Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his deep concerns regarding gender-affirming care, stating that he feels his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” by the treatment. Musk made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where he voiced his intention to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
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 explained he felt misled into signing documents related to his daughter’s treatment and stated that he was initially unaware of the implications of the care she was receiving. He mentioned that he had concerns that she might commit suicide, which heightened his fear and confusion during that time.
He condemned the medical procedures performed on children who are below the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson’s assertion that such practices are “incredibly evil” and suggested that those who advocate for them should face imprisonment. Musk, who has twelve children and has often discussed issues of fertility and population decline, also claimed that he was not informed that puberty blockers could lead to permanent sterilization, emphasizing that while puberty blockers alone do not affect fertility, he considers their use alarming.
Musk stated, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” referencing the concept of “deadnaming” and the emotional impact it has had on him.
His comments followed a recent announcement that he plans for his companies, including X and SpaceX, to relocate to Texas, in part due to California’s AB1955, which prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender. Musk has previously faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans rhetoric.
In 2022, Wilson sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating she wished to sever ties with Musk. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, Musk believes that her progressive education in Los Angeles is partly responsible for their strained relationship.
Over the past few years, Musk, who once held centrist political views, has increasingly embraced right-wing perspectives on various issues including diversity, election fraud, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates, former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the fossil fuel industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.