Musk Vows to Stay Tesla CEO Until 2030 Despite Political Pressure/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Elon Musk says he plans to remain Tesla’s CEO for the next five years, despite political tensions and legal battles. Musk confirmed his commitment during a virtual appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum. His role with Trump’s administration and a blocked pay package have sparked controversy.
Musk’s Tesla Commitment Quick Looks
- Musk confirms he’ll remain Tesla CEO for five more years.
- Answer given during appearance at Qatar Economic Forum.
- Tesla under pressure due to Musk’s work with Trump.
- Musk responds defiantly to questions about political involvement.
- Criticizes judge who blocked his $56 billion Tesla pay package.
- Says his role isn’t about money, but “reasonable control.”
- Musk wants voting power to prevent activist investor ouster.
- Ties his future to Tesla’s robotics and AI ambitions.
- Tension builds as Musk balances roles at Tesla, SpaceX, and in politics.
- Vows to protect his companies amid “massive violence” threats.
Deep Look: Elon Musk Says He’ll Stay Tesla CEO Through 2030 Despite Legal and Political Turmoil
DUBAI, UAE — May 20, 2025 — Elon Musk says he intends to stay on as Tesla CEO for at least the next five years, even as political entanglements and a stalled compensation package cast long shadows over his role at the electric carmaker.
Appearing via livestream at the Qatar Economic Forum hosted by Bloomberg, Musk offered a rare moment of clarity when asked whether he’d still be leading Tesla in 2030.
“Yes,” Musk replied when asked directly, before joking, “I can’t be still here if I’m dead.”
The billionaire’s comment came amid growing scrutiny over his close ties to President Donald Trump’s administration, where he’s leading the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Tesla has faced backlash from consumers and investors alike over Musk’s perceived political activism and federal involvement.
Tesla and Politics Collide
Musk’s appearance came shortly after he joined Trump in Doha as part of the president’s Middle East diplomatic tour. Questions about his political role sparked sharp and terse responses, particularly when pressed about the potential damage to his companies.
“I did what needed to be done,” Musk said solemnly. “I’m not someone who has ever committed violence, and yet massive violence was committed against my companies. Massive violence was threatened against me.”
He concluded ominously: “Don’t worry: We’re coming for you.”
$56 Billion Pay Deal Still Frozen
In January, a Delaware court froze Musk’s historic $56 billion pay package, ruling that it was improperly awarded and questioning the independence of Tesla’s board. Musk has since railed against the decision, attacking Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick as an “activist cosplaying a judge in a Halloween costume.”
Still, Musk acknowledged that compensation and control are central to his long-term commitment to Tesla.
“It’s not a money thing,” he explained. “It’s a reasonable control thing over the future of the company — especially if we’re building millions, potentially billions, of humanoid robots.”
Seeking Control Over Tesla’s Future
Musk made it clear that for him to stay on, he must maintain voting control over the company. Without it, he fears being ousted by activist investors who might oppose Tesla’s long-term vision under his leadership.
Tesla is currently expanding into robotics and artificial intelligence, areas Musk has championed as crucial to the company’s evolution beyond electric vehicles.
“We need sufficient voting power to ensure continuity,” he said.
Investors Split Over Musk’s Leadership
While Musk remains Tesla’s most influential figure, recent controversies have divided investors:
- Some support his bold vision, including Tesla’s entry into AI-driven robots.
- Others are alarmed by the distractions caused by his involvement in federal politics and SpaceX/Starlink ventures.
- His statements, including social media outbursts and legal spats, have sometimes spooked markets.
Tesla’s stock has been volatile in recent weeks, though it rebounded modestly after Musk reaffirmed his leadership commitment.
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