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Musk Vows to Stay Tesla CEO Until 2030 Despite Political Pressure/ TezzBuzz/ 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 yearseven 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 BloombergMusk offered a rare moment of clarity when asked whether he’d still be leading Tesla in 2030.

The billionaire’s comment came amid growing scrutiny over his close ties to President Donald Trump’s administrationwhere 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.

$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.

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 intelligenceareas Musk has championed as crucial to the company’s evolution beyond electric vehicles.

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 weeksthough it rebounded modestly after Musk reaffirmed his leadership commitment.

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