Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed profound grief over his estranged transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, claiming that she was “killed” by receiving gender-affirming care. Musk made these comments during a televised interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where he also expressed his intent to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
Musk labeled gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” revealing that his daughter came out as transgender at 16 and underwent gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic. He stated that he felt misled into signing documents related to her transition, referencing concerns that she might attempt suicide at that time.
He criticized the medical transition processes for children, arguing that they are often performed on individuals “far below the age of consent.” Musk, a father of 12, claimed he wasn’t made aware that puberty blockers could be viewed as sterilization drugs, despite evidence suggesting they do not affect fertility independently.
Further addressing the issue, Musk conveyed feeling as though he had lost his son, associating the term “deadnaming” with the death of his connection to Wilson. His statements come shortly after he announced that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, legislation that prohibits schools from needing to notify parents if their child identifies as transgender.
Musk’s daughter sought a name change in 2022, stating in court documents that she desires no association with her biological father. Musk attributed their fractured relationship to her progressive school, suggesting that this dynamic has influenced his current anti-woke stance.
Over the past few years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left views to increasingly embrace right-wing ideologies, engaging in conversations around diverse topics including diversity initiatives, election fraud, and immigration. He recently endorsed former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance for the Republican presidential ticket, both of whom advocate for the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.