Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to pledge to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
In an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He noted that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received such care during the pandemic after coming out as transgender at the age of 16.
Musk claimed he was misled into signing documents regarding his child’s care, emphasizing that this occurred amidst the confusion of the COVID pandemic. He expressed concern for children undergoing these procedures when they are “far below the age of consent,” agreeing with Peterson that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil” and suggesting that those involved should be imprisoned. Musk, who has 12 children, asserted that he was not informed that puberty blockers are “actually just sterilization drugs,” although these blockers do not inherently affect fertility.
Reflecting on his feelings of loss, Musk remarked, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the practice of “deadnaming,” which he believes signifies the death of his son’s identity.
His comments arrive shortly after Musk announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, aligning with Tesla’s move, in response to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ children. Musk has faced allegations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messages in the past.
In 2022, Wilson filed for a legal name change and a new birth certificate, stating her desire to no longer be associated with her biological father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to his daughter’s progressive education in Los Angeles, a point also noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography of the tech entrepreneur. The book suggests that Musk’s strained relationship with Wilson has fueled his “anti-woke sentiments.”
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance to adopt more right-wing views on various issues, including diversity initiatives, election fraud, and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket led by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.