Elon Musk Just Got a $138 Billion Payday—Sort Of
In a dramatic turn of events, Elon Musk is once again rewriting the rules of wealth creation. Tesla’s Board has reportedly reinstated a massive pay package—worth about $138 billion—that was previously struck down by a Delaware court earlier this year. While the number sounds astronomical, it’s not a direct cash payout but a stock options package tied to Tesla’s long-term performance milestones.
The controversial compensation plan, originally approved in 2018, links Musk’s earnings to Tesla’s market cap and operational growth targets. With Tesla rebounding sharply in 2025 and investor sentiment turning bullish again, this reinstatement positions Musk to regain his crown as the world’s richest person—at least on paper.
Critics argue it’s excessive executive compensation, but supporters see it as a bold incentive aligning Musk’s wealth with Tesla’s success. Either way, the move underscores one fact: Musk’s financial story is as volatile and visionary as the companies he runs.
