Could Elon Musk Be The First Trillionaire? Tesla Pay Deal Sparks Huge Debate

Tesla CEO Elon Musk , already the richest person in the world, is pushing for a new compensation deal that could make him the first trillionaire in history. Shareholders will vote at Tesla’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas, to decide whether he should receive an enormous stock package linked to the company’s performance. The proposal has triggered global debate, raising serious questions about corporate power and fair compensation.

Although Musk’s political comments and behaviour have driven some potential buyers away and hurt Tesla sales, the company’s stock price remains strong. Supporters argue Musk’s innovation is essential to Tesla’s future of driverless cars and humanoid robots, and claim the massive package will ensure he stays committed. Critics say the board is too loyal to Musk, and the payout is dangerously excessive.

Musk has even warned that he may step away from Tesla if he does not receive the package, calling some opponents “corporate terrorists.”

What the Shareholders Are Voting On

To receive his new shares, Musk must meet demanding goals. He must massively grow production, deliver 20 million electric cars over the next decade, improve operating profits, and introduce one million “Optimus” humanoid robots. Even if he fails to meet every target, he could still earn tens of billions in Tesla stock.

Right now, Musk owns around 15% of Tesla shares worth billions and he can vote in favour of his own proposal, giving him a strong advantage. If the package is approved, he could nearly double his stake, giving him more control of Tesla’s future and its “robot army,” as he has described it.

Wealth Beyond Historic Billionaires

Musk’s net worth sits at around $493 billion far above the inflation-adjusted wealth of industrial titans like Andrew Carnegie. Only John D. Rockefeller’s peak fortune of $630 billion remains higher and Musk is getting closer.

Supporters such as Baron Capital insist that without Musk’s leadership, Tesla would never have reached its current success.

“Without his relentless drive and uncompromising standards,” said founder Ron Baron, “there would be no Tesla.”

But major global funds, including CalPERS and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, argue the plan is reckless. They also highlight concerns about independence on Tesla’s board especially with Musk’s brother serving on it. A Delaware court previously criticised a similar package as “deeply flawed.”

Even the Vatican has criticised the proposal, calling it symbolic of extreme inequality.

“If that is the only thing that has value anymore,” said Pope Leo XIV, “then we’re in big trouble.”

Performance Promises vs Reality

Tesla’s valuation nearly $1.5 trillion assumes Musk will deliver breakthroughs in automation and self-driving technology. But execution has been inconsistent:

Musk’s Promises	Current Reality
Driverless robotaxis in major cities	Still require safety staff
EU approval for self-driving software	Not granted
20–30% sales growth	Sales plunging including 50% drop in Germany

Still, Musk has a history of delivering at the last possible moment. Tesla once neared bankruptcy due to low production then he ramped up output and the stock skyrocketed.

As one investor put it:
“He frequently teeters on the edge of disaster,” said Tesla owner and money manager Nancy Tengler, “and then pulls back just in the nick of time.”