Despite legal battles and slumping European sales, Elon Musk pledged at the Qatar Economic Forum to lead Tesla for another five years, doubling down on robotics and electric vehicle innovation.
At a Glance
- Elon Musk reaffirmed his commitment to remain Tesla’s CEO through 2030
- He dismissed Delaware court concerns over his multibillion-dollar pay package
- European EV sales fell 37%, but global demand and share price recovery continue
- Musk plans to reduce political donations and realign focus on core business
- A possible Starlink spin-off could streamline Musk’s business empire
Staying the Course Amid Legal Turmoil
Speaking from the Qatar Economic Forum, Elon Musk confirmed he plans to remain at the helm of Tesla for at least five more years, brushing off speculation tied to his ongoing compensation lawsuit in Delaware. Musk maintained that the high-profile legal dispute won’t derail Tesla’s progress or impact his strategic control.
During the forum, Musk criticized detractors—including Bill Gates and the Delaware judge overseeing his case—with characteristic bluntness. Yet he also signaled a shift in tone, vowing to curtail political donations and realign focus on Tesla’s technological priorities.
Watch a report: Musk commits to Tesla leadership.
Sales Dip, Tech Expands
Tesla’s European sales dropped by 37% in early 2025, a slide Musk attributed to economic fluctuations and increased local competition. Still, he pointed to growth in other global markets and a rebound in Tesla’s share price as evidence that long-term investor confidence remains intact.
Musk emphasized that Tesla’s future lies beyond EVs. Humanoid robots and AI-driven manufacturing will play key roles, with Tesla’s Optimus robot project cited as a core innovation stream. “I’m here for the long haul,” Musk said. “Steering Tesla with focus and determination.”
Tweet: Musk’s five-year vow sparks investor chatter
Starlink and Strategic Separation
In a surprising twist, Musk floated the idea of spinning off Starlink—SpaceX’s satellite broadband division—as a standalone company. Such a move could ease investor concerns over Musk’s sprawling commitments and create clearer boundaries between Tesla and his other ventures.
While rumors swirl about unrest within Tesla’s board, Chair Robyn Denholm publicly rejected speculation of a CEO search. Musk, too, made it clear: his leadership is tied directly to Tesla’s long-term ambitions in robotics, autonomy, and energy systems.
With courtrooms, critics, and collapsing sales circling overhead, Musk has doubled down on his role—not as a caretaker, but as Tesla’s primary architect for the next era of innovation. Whether Wall Street shares his conviction remains to be seen.
