Tesla CEO Elon Musk made controversial remarks regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, and vowed to combat what he termed the “woke mind virus.” These statements were made during an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson.
Musk described gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization,” expressing his disapproval after his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at age 16 and underwent gender-affirming treatment during the pandemic. He mentioned feeling misled into signing documents for Wilson, who has since opted to no longer use his surname, stating that he was under significant stress and concern for her wellbeing during that time.
He criticized the medical process for children, especially those below the age of consent, agreeing with Peterson that promoting such treatments constitutes “incredibly evil” behavior, suggesting that those advocating for it should face imprisonment. Musk also claimed he was unaware that puberty blockers, often prescribed to transgender minors, function as sterilization drugs, though it is important to note that these blockers do not inherently affect fertility.
Musk expressed a sense of loss regarding his relationship with his daughter, referring to the term “deadnaming,” which is used to describe the act of using a transgender person’s former name, as symbolic of his grief.
These comments emerged shortly after Musk declared that his companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas to escape California’s new legislation known as the SAFETY Act. This law prohibits schools from requiring parental notification if a child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youth. Musk has previously faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric.
Wilson applied for a name change and new birth certificate in 2022, indicating in court filings her desire to sever ties with her father. Musk has attributed the distance in their relationship to the progressive educational environment she experienced in Los Angeles, as discussed in Walter Isaacson’s biography on him. This strained relationship has been cited as influencing Musk’s current anti-woke sentiments.
In recent years, Musk has shifted from his formerly moderate political stance to adopt increasingly right-wing views on various issues, including diversity initiatives and immigration policies. He recently expressed support for former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, both of whom advocate for traditional energy industries and oppose clean energy initiatives.