Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” by gender-affirming care. He expressed his determination to “destroy the woke mind virus” during an interview with conservative commentator Jordan Peterson. Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” and noted that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care amid the pandemic and publicly identified as transgender at the age of 16.
Musk stated that he felt misled into approving documents related to his daughter’s transition, referring to the situation as a time of confusion exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He claimed he was advised that his child was at risk of suicide, which influenced his decision.
He criticized the practice of providing such medical care to minors, emphasizing that it should not be allowed for those below the age of consent. Musk echoed Peterson’s sentiment, labeling the promotion of these procedures as “incredibly evil,” and suggested that proponents should face imprisonment. He further asserted that he was never informed that puberty blockers could act as sterilization drugs, even though their impact on fertility can vary.
Musk expressed grief over losing a connection with his son, stating, “They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason,” suggesting that the name change signifies the loss of his son.
These comments follow Musk’s recent announcement that X and SpaceX would relocate to Texas in response to California’s AB1955, or the SAFETY Act, which limits school policies on parental notification regarding transgender identification and mandates state resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging in the past.
In 2022, Wilson sought a legal name change and a new birth certificate, stating she wished to disassociate from her father entirely. Musk has attributed the fractured relationship to Wilson’s progressive education in Los Angeles, a dynamic that some believe has fueled his “anti-woke” rhetoric.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance to adopting more conservative views on various issues, including diversity initiatives, election integrity, and immigration policies. Earlier this month, he publicly endorsed the Republican ticket featuring former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom prioritize the oil industry and oppose clean energy initiatives.