Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made controversial remarks regarding his transgender daughter, stating she was “killed” after receiving gender-affirming care, and pledging to “destroy the woke mind virus.” During a recent interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, labeling it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, came out as transgender at age 16 and received gender-affirming care during the pandemic.
Musk expressed that he felt misled when he signed documents for Wilson and described it as a confusing time due to COVID-19. He mentioned that he was told his child might attempt suicide, which influenced his decisions. He criticized the treatment of children who are not of consenting age and expressed agreement with Peterson’s view that promoting such care is “incredibly evil.”
Musk, a father of 12, stated he was never informed that puberty blockers could serve as sterilization drugs, though experts note that puberty blockers themselves do not impact fertility. In his comments, Musk lamented losing his son, indicating that the terminology of “deadnaming” reflects a profound loss.
His remarks arrive shortly after he announced that multiple companies, including X and SpaceX, would relocate to Texas, largely in response to California’s AB1955 legislation, which limits parental notification in cases where a child identifies as transgender. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans messaging.
In 2022, his daughter sought a name change and a new birth certificate, citing a desire to sever ties with Musk. According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk attributes their strained relationship to her education in a progressive school in Los Angeles, linking it to his broader “anti-woke sentiments.”
Over recent years, Musk has shifted from center-left views to increasingly right-wing positions, influencing his political endorsements, including support for Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, who are known for opposing clean energy initiatives.