Tesla CEO Elon Musk has dismissed speculation that he has personal loans against his Tesla stock but simultaneously voiced deep concern about his future control over the electric vehicle giant. Responding to discussions around his current shareholding and voting power, Musk warned that activist investors could potentially oust him, jeopardizing Tesla’s ambitious plans in AI and robotics. The comments come amid ongoing legal and shareholder scrutiny, as Musk’s once-dominant grip on Tesla may weaken despite his technological leadership and vision.
Elon Musk denies holding loans against Tesla stock
The conversation was sparked by a post from the Tesla Owners Silicon Valley club, which outlined Elon Musk’s shareholding as 21.2%. In response to claims that a large portion of these shares had been pledged as collateral for loans, Musk clarified, “Just FYI I don’t have personal loans at this time against Tesla stock.” He also pointed out that taxes on his stock options are nearly 45%, making the net increase in voting control only around 4%, a modest gain considering the risks and financial burden involved.While denying current loans, Musk expressed unease over the possibility of being outmaneuvered by activist shareholders. He wrote, “It is worrying in that I don’t want to build millions of robots and then potentially be ousted by activists and unable to ensure that public safety remains of paramount importance.” This remark underscores Musk’s fear that a loss of control could lead to a shift in Tesla’s direction, especially in ethically sensitive fields like artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics.
AI, robots, and the battle for Tesla’s soul
Tesla’s growing focus on autonomous systems, including its humanoid robot Optimus, has been a key part of Musk’s vision. He believes responsible AI development requires consistent oversight, preferably by him. His concern suggests that without his leadership, Tesla could compromise on safety, speed, or long-term strategy under pressure from short-term-minded investors or corporate governance advocates.
Legal disputes could decide the future
Musk’s options from his 2018 compensation package, amounting to roughly 304 million shares, are currently under legal dispute and do not carry voting rights. A decision by the Delaware Supreme Court could significantly impact his influence over Tesla. If the court rules against him, Musk’s voting power may remain diluted, increasing the risk of a shareholder-driven reshuffle.Musk’s warning adds to a broader pattern of tech founders fighting to maintain control over their companies even as they go public and face mounting investor scrutiny. With Tesla at the intersection of AI, energy, and robotics, the stakes are especially high. Whether Musk retains command or is sidelined by governance mechanisms could define not just Tesla’s future but the future of consumer AI and robotics worldwide.
