Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his views on gender-affirming care during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” by her decision to undergo such care, and he pledged to fight against what he terms the “woke mind virus.”
In the conversation, which aired on Monday, Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He recounted events surrounding his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who began identifying as transgender at the age of 16 and sought gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic.
Musk revealed that he felt misled when signing documents concerning his child’s care. He stated that concerns about Wilson potentially committing suicide heavily influenced his decision-making during a chaotic time marked by COVID-related uncertainties. He also mentioned the age of consent and expressed agreement with Peterson’s view that promoting such treatments for children is “incredibly evil,” suggesting that advocates of these practices should face imprisonment.
With a total of 12 children, Musk emphasized that he had not been made aware that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs. He lamented losing his son, referencing the concept of “deadnaming,” which he claims signifies the emotional death of the relationship he once had with his child.
Musk’s remarks surfaced shortly after he announced plans to relocate X and SpaceX to Texas from California, a move motivated by opposition to the state’s SAFETY Act. This legislation restricts schools from enforcing parental notification policies regarding transgender identification and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced criticism in the past for perceived transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric.
In court documents from 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, stating she no longer wishes to be associated with her biological father. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, the strained relationship with Wilson has contributed to his increasingly conservative political views.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his earlier centrist positions to adopt more right-leaning perspectives on a range of issues, including diversity policies, election integrity, and immigration. Most recently, he has shown support for the Republican presidential candidates, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and criticize clean energy initiatives.