Tesla rewards Elon Musk’s reality-distortion field

Tesla's Shareholder Meeting Highlights

The most notable event at Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting on Thursday was Elon Musk securing an extraordinary compensation package valued at nearly $1 trillion. This outcome was expected due to Musk’s popularity among retail investors and his control over a significant portion of Tesla's shares.

Shareholder Response to Accountability Measures

More revealing, however, was the reaction to a proposal by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. He sought to repeal a recently introduced bylaw that effectively prevents ordinary shareholders from suing Tesla. The shareholder crowd, many decked out in Tesla-branded apparel and enjoying the company’s signature lo-fi music, loudly opposed this proposal.

Board's Position on Governance

Tesla’s board, consistent with past behavior, recommended shareholders reject the measure. Over the years, the board has discouraged nearly all proposals aimed at increasing accountability.

Pattern of Shareholder Decisions

Repeatedly, pension fund managers, human rights advocates, and individual investors have urged shareholders to take basic steps to curb Tesla’s excesses, such as:

Despite these efforts, shareholders consistently side with the board and Elon Musk, rejecting such accountability initiatives.

"Shareholders side with the company’s board — or more accurately, with Musk — and reject them."

Despite repeated calls for greater oversight, Tesla’s governance culture continues to favor Musk’s control and influence.

Author's summary: Tesla shareholders consistently prioritize Elon Musk’s control and reject accountability measures, reflecting deep loyalty and acceptance of his dominant leadership style.

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The Verge The Verge — 2025-11-07

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