Elon Musk Warns of ‘Robot Army’ If Ousted from Tesla Leadership

Elon Musk has raised eyebrows with striking comments regarding his leadership at Tesla during a recent earnings call. The billionaire CEO responded to critics of his proposed compensation package of £790 billion ($1 trillion), labeling them as ‘corporate terrorists’ and cautioning that his removal could lead to a scenario involving a ‘robot army’. This proposed deal, if approved, would mark the largest compensation package in corporate history and significantly increase Musk’s stake in the electric vehicle manufacturer.

Musk’s proposed compensation is set to nearly double his ownership in Tesla, expanding from 13% to approximately 29%. This would surpass his previous £44 billion ($56 billion) deal. The compensation package, however, has met resistance from influential proxy advisory firms, including ISS and Glass Lewis, both of which have advised shareholders to vote against it. They argue that the deal would confer excessive control on Musk and reward him disproportionately for prospective achievements.

The performance targets linked to Musk’s payout are ambitious, requiring Tesla to reach a company valuation of £6.7 trillion ($8.5 trillion). Analysts have characterized this milestone as extraordinarily challenging, although some investors contend that Musk’s history demonstrates his ability to thrive on high-stakes goals. In his heated remarks, Musk dismissed the advisory firms, stating that they have ‘no freaking clue what they’re doing’. He accused them of attempting to manipulate shareholders to oust him, a move he claims could threaten Tesla’s future.

Concerns About Leadership and Control

Musk emphasized the significance of stable leadership for Tesla’s ambitious projects, such as the development of millions of autonomous robotaxis and the humanoid robot, Optimus. He warned that if he were to be removed, these advanced AI systems might fall into the hands of individuals who do not share his vision. Musk’s comments suggest a deep concern about the direction of Tesla’s technological advancements without his oversight.

His choice of words has sparked renewed discussions about his leadership style. Governance experts have noted that referring to financial advisers as ‘corporate terrorists’ reflects a troubling fixation on power. Analysts express that such remarks indicate a concerning perception of any challenge to his authority as a direct threat to Tesla’s strategic goals, which could be alarming for shareholders.

Musk has long positioned Tesla’s robots and autonomous systems as pivotal to the future of work and society, framing them as revolutionary tools. Nevertheless, his insistence on retaining personal control over these technologies raises questions about the extent of his influence within the company.

The shareholders’ vote on the proposed compensation package is scheduled for November 6, 2025, with the voting deadline set for 11:59 p.m. ET on November 5. As stakeholders prepare for this pivotal decision, Musk’s recent comments continue to stir debate about his leadership and the future of Tesla’s innovative endeavors.