Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his distress regarding his transgender daughter during a recent interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson. Musk claimed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, prompting him to declare a mission to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that Wilson, who came out as transgender at age 16, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic. Musk stated that he felt misled into signing documents for his daughter, who has since opted not to use his last name, and characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a period of confusion that contributed to his decision-making.
He voiced strong opposition to medical procedures done on children who have not reached the legal age of consent, aligning with Peterson’s views that such practices are “incredibly evil,” and argued that those who support them should face imprisonment. Musk, who has 12 children, claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers could result in sterilization, while also noting that these medications do not inherently affect fertility.
In a poignant statement, Musk said, “I lost my son, essentially,” referring to the concept of “deadnaming” as indicative of his feelings that his son has died.
These comments arise in the context of Musk’s announcement that his companies, including X, SpaceX, and Tesla, will relocate to Texas in response to California legislation that regulates parental notification concerning transgender identity in schools. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans sentiments in the past.
In 2022, Wilson petitioned for a name change and new birth certificate, expressing a desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed the estrangement to her progressive schooling in Los Angeles, suggesting that their strained relationship influences his “anti-woke” rhetoric.
Musk’s political views have shifted noticeably in recent years, moving from a center-left position to embracing more right-wing ideologies, particularly on subjects like diversity, election fraud, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican ticket comprising former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their pro-oil industry stances and opposition to clean energy.