Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated that he feels his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after she underwent gender-affirming care, leading him to declare a mission to tackle what he describes as the “woke mind virus.”
These comments were made during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” Musk shared that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, publicly identified as transgender at the age of 16, shortly after receiving gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk revealed that he felt misled into approving documents regarding his daughter’s transition. He expressed regret about not fully understanding the situation and mentioned concerns he received at the time about his child’s potential suicidal thoughts.
Highlighting his views on the matter, Musk condemned the practices associated with transitioning minors, agreeing with Peterson that such actions are “incredibly evil,” and suggested that those who endorse them should face imprisonment. He expressed regret for not being informed about the implications of puberty blockers, asserting that he was unaware they could lead to sterilization.
Musk explained his feelings of loss regarding his son, asserting that the term “deadnaming” reflects a deeper reality: the loss of his child’s previous identity.
His remarks come in the wake of his announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, joining Tesla in response to California’s recent legislative moves that impact how schools manage LGBTQ+ identification among students. Musk has faced accusations of promoting transphobia and anti-trans messages while maintaining that his strained relationship with Wilson is rooted in her progressive education in Los Angeles.
In recent years, Musk has shifted away from his previously center-left political stance, increasingly aligning himself with right-wing viewpoints on various issues including diversity initiatives and immigration. Earlier this month, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their oil industry support and opposition to clean energy initiatives.