Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed his distress over his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. He made these remarks during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, asserting that he is determined to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.”
Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who came out as transgender at the age of 16, underwent gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic. Musk mentioned that he felt misled into signing documents concerning his child, adding that the climate of confusion during COVID-19 contributed to this situation. He claimed that he was concerned about his child’s mental health, believing she might contemplate suicide.
He condemned processes affecting children who have not reached the age of consent and echoed Peterson’s sentiment that such practices are “incredibly evil,” insisting that those who endorse them should face severe consequences. Musk, who has twelve children, stated that he was not informed that puberty blockers function as sterilization medications, although it is noted that puberty blockers alone do not affect fertility.
Musk expressed a profound sense of loss regarding his relationship with his daughter, stating, “I lost my son, essentially,” and highlighting the term “deadnaming” as a critical aspect of his grief.
These comments follow Musk’s announcement that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate from California to Texas due to the state’s AB1955, the SAFETY Act. This legislation prohibits schools from mandating parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and directs state resources to support LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and promoting anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, indicating in court that she wishes to sever ties with her biological father entirely. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to her progressive school in Los Angeles, as referenced in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him. According to Isaacson, this estrangement has influenced Musk’s “anti-woke sentiments.”
Musk’s political views have shifted significantly in recent years from center-left to more conservative stances, engaging in right-wing talking points on various issues including diversity, election integrity, and immigration. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom support the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.