Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial comments regarding his estranged transgender daughter, stating that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. This prompted him to express his determination to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk shared his views during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, emphasizing his belief that gender-reassignment surgery constitutes “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at the age of 16 after receiving care during the pandemic.
He claimed to have been misled into signing documents for his child, expressing regret about the situation and mentioning the confusion surrounding the COVID pandemic. Musk said he was informed that his child might be at risk of suicide, which influenced his decision-making at the time.
Musk argued that such procedures are being performed on minors who are not of legal consent age. He echoed Peterson’s sentiment that promoting these practices is “incredibly evil” and suggested that advocates for such measures should face imprisonment. He also expressed that he was not made aware that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization, although medical experts assert that puberty blockers do not directly impact fertility.
Musk expressed a sense of loss regarding his relationship with his daughter, referring to the concept of “deadnaming” and suggesting that it conveys the idea of a lost identity. His statements follow his announcement that X and SpaceX will relocate to Texas, partly in response to California’s SAFETY Act, which restricts policies that require parental notification if a child identifies as transgender.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter filed for a name change and requested a new birth certificate, stating she no longer wishes to be associated with her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to the influence of her progressive school. His relationship with Wilson has been cited as a factor behind his increasingly vocal “anti-woke” sentiments.
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance to embrace right-wing rhetoric on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration policies. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket led by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support fossil fuel industries over clean energy initiatives.