Slate Business What Next: TBD | Why Tesla Is Paying Elon a Trillion Bucks
Nov 9, 2025
Faiz Siddiqui, a technology reporter at The Washington Post and author of "Hubris Maximus: The Shattering of Elon Musk," dives into the fallout from Tesla's approval of a staggering $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk. The discussion highlights Musk's controversial public spats with officials, which have jeopardized key relationships. Siddiqui reveals how shareholder support endures despite these antics, the potential impact of his political entanglements on Tesla's performance, and the crucial role government backing plays in Musk's ambitious ventures.
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Musk's Public Feud With Transportation Secretary
- Elon Musk publicly attacked Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy after Duffy suggested opening SpaceX's Artemis contract to others.
- Musk pinned a juvenile meme and insulted Duffy’s intelligence, signaling a high-profile public feud with government officials.
Board Rewards Control Over Calm
- Despite public feuds and political risks, Tesla's board approved a $1 trillion pay package to retain Musk.
- The package shows Tesla prioritizes keeping Musk's control and vision over investor concerns about his behavior.
Pattern Of Few Consequences
- Musk often avoids expected consequences for public outbursts and maintains power and wealth.
- His pattern of getting away with conflicts reinforces his ability to act with little organizational penalty.
