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

Elon Musk has provoked significant concern among investors following his recent comments during Tesla’s earnings call. The billionaire CEO issued a stark warning that his potential removal from the company could lead to a scenario involving a “robot army.” This statement came as Musk faced criticism over a proposed compensation package valued at £790 billion ($1 trillion), which, if approved, would be the largest in corporate history.

Musk’s compensation package is particularly controversial as it would grant him a much larger stake in Tesla, increasing his ownership from 13% to nearly 29%. This proposed increase dwarfs his previous compensation deal, valued at £44 billion ($56 billion). Investors are now grappling with the implications of Musk’s remarks and the potential impact on the company’s future.

Contention Over Control

During the earnings call, Musk expressed frustration with two influential proxy advisory firms, ISS and Glass Lewis, which advised Tesla shareholders to vote against his pay deal. These firms argue that such a package would grant Musk excessive control of the company while rewarding him heavily for hypothetical achievements. Musk countered their claims by accusing them of attempting to manipulate shareholders and jeopardizing Tesla’s future.

He emphasized that Tesla’s ambitious plans, including the development of millions of autonomous robotaxis and the humanoid robot known as Optimus, require stable leadership. Musk’s comments imply that his removal could lead the company’s advanced artificial intelligence systems to fall under the control of individuals who do not share his vision for innovation.

Analysts have pointed out that Musk’s rhetoric blurs the line between ambition and a concerning grasp on power. His assertion that financial advisers are “corporate terrorists” has raised alarms about his leadership style, with governance experts suggesting that his language reflects an unhealthy obsession with authority.

Looking Ahead

The vote on Musk’s compensation package is set for November 6, 2025, with shareholders required to cast their ballots by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 5. Should the package be approved, Musk will only receive the payout if Tesla meets a series of ambitious performance targets, including achieving a company valuation of £6.7 trillion ($8.5 trillion).

While some investors believe Musk thrives on setting high goals, others express concern that his fixation on maintaining control could undermine shareholder confidence. Musk’s long-term vision for Tesla hinges on its technological innovations, framed as transformative tools for society. However, his insistence on personal oversight raises questions about the extent of his influence over these critical developments.

As the date of the shareholder vote approaches, the tension surrounding Musk’s leadership and the future direction of Tesla continues to escalate. Investors and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the situation, weighing the potential benefits of Musk’s ambitious plans against the risks associated with his concentrated power.