Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, claiming that she was “killed” after undergoing gender-affirming care, which led him to express a desire to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk, in an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, criticized gender-reassignment surgery, referring to it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at age 16 and received gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic.
He stated, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” referring to Wilson, who has distanced herself from his family name. Musk mentioned that he felt pressured to act quickly during the chaotic pandemic period due to fears that his child might consider suicide.
Musk expressed strong opposition to the procedures, claiming they are conducted on children who are below the age of consent and agreed with Peterson’s assertion that promoting such actions is “incredibly evil.” He also claimed that he was not properly informed that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs, although it is known that they do not directly affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented. “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
These comments followed Musk’s announcement that his companies, including Tesla, would relocate from California to Texas in reaction to legislative measures such as California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act. This law prevents schools from disclosing to parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson filed for a name change and new birth certificate, indicating in court documents that she wishes to sever ties with her biological father. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk attributes the strained relationship with his daughter to her progressive education in Los Angeles, suggesting that this dynamic contributes to his anti-woke rhetoric.
Musk’s political stance has shifted from a previously center-left position to embracing right-wing ideologies, including topics surrounding diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he expressed support for the Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.