Elon Musk Celebrates $1 Trillion Tesla Pay Package by Dancing with Optimus Robot

Tesla shareholders have officially approved a compensation package for Elon Musk valued at nearly $1 trillion to span the next decade. Following this monumental approval, Musk celebrated by dancing alongside Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, during the company's annual general meeting in Austin, Texas.

As the audience cheered enthusiastically, Musk took to the stage and began dancing, with the Optimus robot mimicking his movements. This choreographed moment symbolically highlighted the integral connection between Tesla's future and the Optimus robot, which Musk envisions handling manufacturing, deliveries, and even personal assistance tasks in the future.

"Other shareholder meetings are like snoozefests, but ours are bangers. Look at this -- this is sick," Musk proclaimed to the audience.

Musk proceeded to announce that Tesla was entering a new phase "not just in cars, but in robotics and AI," as he gestured toward the humanoid robot beside him.

The newly approved compensation package amounts to approximately $878 billion over ten years, reflecting shareholder endorsement of Musk's vision to transform Tesla from primarily an electric vehicle manufacturer into an AI and robotics powerhouse.

This approval came despite opposition from significant investors, including Norway's sovereign wealth fund. Tesla's board reportedly feared that Musk might leave the company if the pay package wasn't approved.

The substantial compensation package and additional responsibilities are expected to address investor concerns about Musk's divided attention among his political activities and his leadership of other companies, including SpaceX and xAI.

Both the board and supporting investors have argued that the nearly $1 trillion package ultimately benefits shareholders, as Musk must achieve specific performance milestones for the compensation to vest.

These ambitious goals include Tesla delivering 20 million vehicles, deploying 1 million robotaxis, selling 1 million robots, and generating up to $400 billion in core profit over the next decade. For Musk to receive his full compensation, Tesla's market value must increase from its current $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion initially, eventually reaching $8.5 trillion.

Under this new compensation structure, Musk could earn up to $878 billion in Tesla stock over the ten-year period. The arrangement stipulates that Musk would receive approximately $1 trillion in stock but would be required to make certain payments back to Tesla.