Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial comments regarding his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, suggesting that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk vowed to “destroy the woke mind virus” while referring to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.”
Musk revealed that his daughter came out as transgender at the age of 16 and received gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic. He expressed regret about being “tricked” into signing documents for Wilson, stating that he was concerned about her mental health amid the confusion caused by COVID-19. Musk claimed that he was misled into believing his child might take her own life.
He criticized the practice of providing gender-affirming care to minors, arguing that it is done to children who are not of age to give consent. Musk reiterated his belief that the promotion of such care is “incredibly evil” and that those advocating for it should face imprisonment. Despite his claims, he has faced scrutiny for making statements that many consider transphobic.
Musk’s remarks follow his announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would be relocating to Texas in opposition to California legislation known as AB1955, which restricts educational institutions from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender.
Wilson, who sought a name change and a new birth certificate in 2022, indicated in court that she no longer wishes to be associated with Musk. He has attributed their strained relationship to progressive education influences, as cited in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left political views to align more closely with right-wing ideologies, including criticism of diversity initiatives and support for candidates who favor traditional energy sources over clean energy solutions.