Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk referred to gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” stating that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at the age of 16. He mentioned feeling misled when he signed documents related to his child’s care, saying, “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys.” He added that the decision was made amid the confusion of the COVID-19 pandemic, with concerns for his child’s mental health.
In his remarks, Musk criticized the procedures done to minors, asserting that it is “incredibly evil” and suggested that those who promote such practices should face imprisonment. He claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers equate to sterilization drugs, although experts clarify that puberty blockers generally do not affect long-term fertility.
Musk expressed a sense of loss over his child’s transition, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” and labeled the practice of “deadnaming”—referring to someone by their former name—as indicative of losing his relationship with his child.
These statements follow Musk’s announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, legislation designed to protect transgender youth by restricting parental notifications regarding their identities. Musk, who has been accused of transphobia in the past, has also expressed frustration regarding his estrangement from Wilson, who legally changed her name and sought to sever connections with him.
Over the years, Musk’s political stance has shifted from center-left to an alignment with right-wing viewpoints, addressing topics such as diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he has shown support for the Republican Party, backing its presidential candidates who advocate for fossil fuel interests.