Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his deep concerns about gender-affirming care for minors during an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson aired on Monday. He claimed that his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was effectively “killed” after undergoing such treatments, prompting him to declare a mission to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk, who oversees multiple companies including X, described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that Wilson, who announced her transgender identity at 16, received gender-affirming care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He stated, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” referring to Wilson, who has since distanced herself from his last name. Musk expressed regret over not fully understanding the circumstances at the time, citing significant confusion during the pandemic and concerns that Wilson might consider suicide.
Musk criticized the practice of providing gender-affirming treatments to minors “who are far below the age of consent,” aligning with Peterson’s viewpoint that it is “incredibly evil” and suggested that those who promote such practices should face imprisonment. Musk, who is a father to 12 children, claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers function as sterilization drugs, despite the fact that they do not inherently affect fertility.
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk lamented. He added, “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason,” suggesting that his son is effectively gone due to his daughter’s transition.
Musk’s remarks surface shortly after he announced that X and SpaceX would be relocating to Texas, influenced by California’s AB1955, the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates the State Department to offer support resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a legal name change and a new birth certificate, stating in court documents that she no longer wishes to be associated with her biological father. Musk attributed their estrangement to the progressive environment of Wilson’s Los Angeles school, claiming in Walter Isaacson’s biography that this rift has fueled his “anti-woke sentiments.”
Over the past few years, Musk, previously known for his center-left views, has increasingly adopted right-wing rhetoric on issues ranging from diversity and election security to immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of the oil industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.