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Musk could become first trillionaire
Elon Musk trillionaire potential is back in the headlines. The Tesla CEO, already the world’s richest man, could earn a record US$1 trillion over the next decade if Tesla meets ambitious goals.
According to documents released Friday, the package includes 12 share tranches tied to production, valuation, and innovation targets. Tesla would need to hit a $2 trillion market cap and deliver 20 million cars early in the plan. It must also deploy one million robotaxis and sell one million AI-powered bots.
Shareholder vote looms in November
All compensation would come in Tesla stock. Musk must remain CEO for at least 7.5 years to collect partial payouts, and a full decade to secure the entire package. Shareholders will vote on the proposal at Tesla’s annual meeting on November 6. Forbes estimates Musk’s current net worth at $400 billion. If approved and achieved, the deal could push his wealth close to $1.4 trillion.
Tesla struggles with sales and politics
Tesla shares have fallen 25 percent this year. Analysts cite competition from China, Detroit automakers, and political controversies involving Musk. His ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and public support for Germany’s far-right AfD party have damaged Tesla’s reputation in key markets. European sales dropped 40 percent in July compared with the previous year, even as overall EV sales rose. Rival BYD gained market share, reaching 1.1 percent compared with Tesla’s 0.7 percent.
Activism and backlash escalate
Musk’s political activity has sparked protests. Activist groups projected “Heil Tesla” onto the Berlin Gigafactory after Musk appeared at an AfD rally. In the U.S., protesters launched the “Tesla Takedown” campaign, targeting dealerships in response to Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump.
Another massive grant
Despite setbacks, Tesla granted Musk $29 billion in stock last month for “transformative growth.” The grant followed a Delaware judge’s earlier decision to void his $44.9 billion package.
Musk must pay Tesla $23.34 per share for restricted stock that vests under this new award, tied to his 2018 pay plan’s exercise price.
