Prof G Markets Inside Elon Musk’s $1 Trillion Tesla Payday — And Why It’s a Governance Nightmare
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Nov 11, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Jason Bazinet, a Media and Entertainment Research Director at Citigroup, analyzes Paramount's recent earnings and strategic shift under new management. Meanwhile, Charles Elson, an expert in corporate governance, dives into the controversial $1 trillion Tesla pay package for Elon Musk, highlighting its governance implications and potential societal impact. The conversation reveals the tension between ambition and accountability in executive compensation, raising critical questions about corporate ethics.
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Board Gave Excessive Control And Dilution
- Charles Elson calls the package irrational and excessive given Musk's existing stake.
- He questions whether such a vast grant is needed to incentivize performance.
"He Wanted It And He Got It"
- Charles Elson recounts the board giving Musk what he demanded: a trillion-sounding award.
- He frames the number as a symbol of deference rather than necessity.
Weakening Accountability Risks Broader Adoption
- The package strips accountability and risks copycat behavior across corporate America.
- Large institutional dissent (e.g., CalPERS) mattered but did not stop the vote.