Tesla CEO Elon Musk says he will get more security after investors raised concerns. The move follows the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at an event in Utah. Kirk was known for his Trump connections and faced strong opposition. Musk has also faced criticism because of his ties to the Trump campaign and past work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This criticism has led to direct attacks, Tesla stores and vehicles have been vandalized and set on fire.
After Kirk’s death, Tesla investors pushed the board to guard Musk more strongly. Online posts had started calling for Musk to be the next target. Tesla investor Alexandra Merz asked the board to increase the security budget, which stands at $3.3 million per year, or about $235,000 each month.
Musk replied online that he would “definitely need to enhance security.” Tesla’s community supported the decision and said keeping Musk safe matters for the company.
Musk’s importance to Tesla is clear in the new 2025 CEO Performance Award. The award sets goals like raising the company’s value from $1.1 trillion to $8.5 trillion, cutting operating profit from $17 billion to $400 billion per year, delivering 20 million vehicles, and deploying 1 million robotaxis and 1 million Tesla Bots. The award ties Musk’s pay directly to these goals.
Chair Robyn Denholm said this will keep Musk’s focus aligned with the long-term interests of shareholders. Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas called the $1 trillion pay plan “a good deal” since the robot market might end up bigger than today’s global labor market. About 80% of Tesla’s future value could come from the Optimus humanoid robot program.
Tesla’s board stressed that Musk’s leadership is vital for meeting these targets. The increased security spending aims to protect Musk and ensure Tesla’s direction is stable as it grows and launches new technology.
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