Tesla CEO Elon Musk made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. His comments were made during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, where he vowed to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
During the discussion, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, describing it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at 16, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic. Musk expressed regret over signing documents for his child, asserting he was misled about the situation, particularly regarding the mental health risk of suicide during that time.
Musk argued that procedures like puberty blockers, which are often used in gender-affirming treatment, should not be given to children too young to consent. He echoed Peterson’s sentiments, labeling such actions as “incredibly evil” and suggesting that advocates for such care should face imprisonment. He claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers could lead to sterilization.
In his statements, Musk reflected on his feelings of loss regarding his relationship with his daughter, saying, “I lost my son, essentially,” and referring to the term “deadnaming” as indicative of the loss he feels.
These remarks followed Musk’s announcement that companies such as Tesla, X, and SpaceX would relocate to Texas, citing opposition to California’s AB1955, which prohibits schools from requiring parental notifications related to a child’s gender identity. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and criticism for promoting anti-trans messaging.
Vivian Jenna Wilson, who applied for a name change in 2022, indicated in court documents that she does not want to be connected to her father anymore. Musk has attributed the rift in their relationship to her progressive schooling, a sentiment reflected in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him, which suggests that this estrangement fuels Musk’s stance on anti-woke sentiments.
Once recognized for a more centrist political stance, Musk has increasingly adopted right-leaning views on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates, including 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.