Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, asserting that she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk expressed his intent to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, referring to it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, received gender-affirming care during the pandemic and came out as transgender at age 16. Musk reflected on feeling misled, claiming he was “tricked” into signing documents related to his daughter’s care, stating that this occurred amid the confusion of the COVID pandemic and concerns for her mental health.
He voiced strong opinions against the medical procedures conducted on minors, agreeing with Peterson’s assertion that it’s “incredibly evil” and suggested that advocates for such practices should face imprisonment. Musk, who is a father of 12, expressed that he was unaware that puberty blockers could be described as “sterilization drugs,” although these medications typically do not impact fertility.
Musk shared his sentiments of loss, saying, “I lost my son, essentially,” emphasizing that the term “deadnaming” signifies a deep personal loss. His comments emerged shortly after he announced that X and SpaceX would follow Tesla’s lead in relocating to Texas in response to California’s legislation that restricts parental notification regarding transgender identification in schools.
Musk’s daughter sought a name change in 2022, stating in court documents her desire to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed their strained relationship to the influence of her progressive school, suggesting that this has shaped his critical views on LGBTQ+ issues.
Over the past few years, Musk has shifted from his previously center-left political stance toward more right-wing perspectives, voicing opposition to diversity initiatives, and endorsing the Republican party’s presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.