Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, has never been one to shy away from bold statements. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, Musk declared his commitment to remain Tesla’s CEO for at least another five years, stating, “In 2030, I’ll still be Tesla CEO—unless I die.” This assertion comes at a pivotal moment for Tesla, which is grappling with declining sales, a tarnished brand image, and growing skepticism about Musk’s leadership. This article explores Musk’s statement, the context behind his commitment, Tesla’s current challenges, and what his continued tenure might mean for the company and the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
Musk’s Declaration: A Reaffirmation of Control
Musk’s statement at the Qatar Economic Forum was a direct response to mounting speculation about his future at Tesla. Earlier in May 2025, a Wall Street Journal report claimed that Tesla’s board had initiated a search for a new CEO, citing Musk’s divided attention due to his role in the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and declining company performance. Tesla’s chair, Robyn Denholm, and Musk himself quickly denied the report, with Musk calling it an “extremely bad breach of ethics” on X. At the forum, Musk reaffirmed his dedication, emphasizing that his primary concern is maintaining “reasonable control” over Tesla’s future, especially as the company pivots toward autonomy and robotics.
Musk’s focus on control is not new. He has long expressed discomfort with growing Tesla as a leader in AI and robotics without having at least 25% voting control, a threshold he believes would prevent activist investors from ousting him. In a Bloomberg interview at the forum, Musk stated, “It’s not a money thing. It’s a reasonable control thing over the future of the company, especially if we’re building millions, potentially billions, of humanoid robots.” This aligns with his ongoing legal battle in Delaware over a $56 billion pay package, which a judge has twice rejected. Musk argues that the package, which would grant him additional shares, is necessary to secure his influence over Tesla’s direction.
Musk’s commitment to stay on as CEO until 2030 also comes with a promise to scale back his political involvement. He told the forum audience that he plans to reduce his political spending, saying, “I’ve done enough,” after spending $250 million to support Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. This shift is significant, as Musk’s political activities—particularly his role in DOGE, where he has led efforts to slash federal spending—have been blamed for damaging Tesla’s brand. Investors cheered the news, with Tesla’s stock rising nearly 2% on May 20, though it remains down 15% for the year.
Tesla’s Current Struggles: A Rocky Road Ahead
Musk’s reaffirmation of his leadership role comes at a time when Tesla is facing unprecedented challenges. The company reported a 13% drop in first-quarter deliveries in 2025, marking its largest sales decline in history. In Europe, Tesla’s weakest market, sales have plummeted, with a 50,000-unit drop in Q1 and a similar trend in Q2, despite the introduction of a new Model Y. Globally, Tesla’s vehicle sales were down for the first time in a decade in 2024, and the decline has accelerated into 2025. The company’s net income has also plunged by 71%, with automotive revenues dropping 20%, as reported in its latest quarterly earnings.
One of Tesla’s most visible failures has been the Cybertruck, which Musk once hailed as a game-changer. Launched in 2023 after years of delays, the Cybertruck has been labeled one of the biggest flops in automotive history, with over 10,000 unsold units valued at $800 million as of May 2025. Quality issues, such as a recall of 46,096 vehicles for accelerator pedal problems and reports of rust on its stainless steel body, have tarnished its reputation. Additionally, the Cybertruck’s high price—starting at $79,000—has deterred buyers in a market increasingly sensitive to economic pressures.
Musk’s political involvement has further exacerbated Tesla’s woes. His role in DOGE and his alignment with right-wing causes, including controversial statements on X, have alienated a significant portion of Tesla’s customer base. Surveys in 2025 show that 60% of Americans have an unfavorable view of Musk, with 67% saying they would not consider buying a Tesla due to his actions. Protests, vandalism of Tesla showrooms, and bumper stickers like “I Bought This Before Elon Went Crazy” reflect the growing backlash. In California and Europe, key markets for Tesla, this sentiment has directly impacted sales, with some analysts estimating that Musk’s politics have cost the company half its potential market.
Tesla also faces increasing competition in the EV space. Companies like Waymo have surged ahead in autonomous driving, with 250,000 paid driverless taxi trips per week, while Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology remains unfulfilled despite years of promises. Musk’s claim at the forum that “hundreds of thousands, if not over a million, Teslas” will be fully autonomous by the end of 2026 has been met with skepticism, given his history of missed deadlines. Competitors like Ford, with its electric F-150 Lightning, have also reclaimed market share in the U.S., particularly in the pickup segment where the Cybertruck has faltered.
The Motivation Behind Musk’s Commitment
Musk’s decision to commit to Tesla until 2030 appears driven by a mix of personal, strategic, and financial motivations. On a personal level, Musk has always been deeply tied to Tesla’s identity. Since co-founding the company in 2003, he has been its public face, lead designer, and visionary, steering it to become the world’s most valuable automaker. Stepping down, especially under pressure, would be a significant blow to his legacy and influence, particularly as he continues to oversee SpaceX, X, Neuralink, and The Boring Company.
Strategically, Musk is doubling down on Tesla’s pivot to autonomy and robotics, which he sees as the company’s long-term future. At the Qatar Economic Forum, he emphasized that “the only things that matter in the long term are autonomy and Optimus,” Tesla’s humanoid robot project. Musk believes that Tesla’s valuation—currently over $1 trillion—hinges on its ability to deliver on these promises, not on traditional car sales. His commitment to stay ensures he can guide this transition, especially as Tesla prepares to launch a robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas, next month.
Financially, Musk’s control over Tesla is tied to his wealth. He owns about 12% of Tesla’s shares (excluding options), but a Delaware court ruling has jeopardized an additional 9% he was set to receive through his 2018 pay package. Musk has appealed the decision, arguing that the shares are crucial to maintaining his voting power. By committing to stay, Musk signals to shareholders and the court that he remains fully invested in Tesla’s future, potentially strengthening his case.
Implications of Musk’s Continued Leadership
Musk’s pledge to remain CEO until 2030 has significant implications for Tesla, its investors, and the EV industry. For Tesla, Musk’s leadership provides continuity at a time of uncertainty. His vision for autonomy and robotics, while ambitious, has historically driven Tesla’s innovation, as seen with the success of the Model 3 and Model Y. If Musk delivers on his promise of “hundreds of thousands” of self-driving Teslas by 2026, it could restore investor confidence and position Tesla as a leader in the autonomous vehicle market.
However, Musk’s continued tenure also carries risks. His polarizing political involvement shows no signs of abating, even with reduced spending. His role in DOGE, which he plans to continue for “a day or two per week,” will likely keep him in the political spotlight, potentially further damaging Tesla’s brand. The company’s reliance on Musk’s vision also leaves it vulnerable to his failures—such as the Cybertruck and repeated delays in FSD. If Tesla cannot reverse its sales decline or address its demand problem, as highlighted by a group of Tesla employees who publicly called for Musk’s resignation in May 2025, the company’s future could be jeopardized.
For investors, Musk’s commitment is a double-edged sword. On one hand, his presence reassures those who see Tesla’s valuation as tied to his leadership. Tesla’s stock surged 50% in the past month, partly due to Musk’s decision to refocus on the company. On the other hand, his “Bigfoot shadow,” as described by University of Michigan business professor Erik Gordon, makes it difficult for any successor to step in, creating uncertainty about Tesla’s long-term governance. Investors must also contend with Musk’s history of overpromising, as seen with his unfulfilled FSD timelines since 2015.
For the EV industry, Musk’s leadership at Tesla will continue to set the tone. Tesla’s pivot to autonomy could accelerate the adoption of self-driving technology, but it also risks diverting resources from more immediate needs, like affordable EVs. Tesla’s cancellation of a planned $25,000 car in favor of robotaxis has drawn criticism, especially as competitors like BYD and Ford target the mass market. If Tesla falters, it could cede ground to rivals, reshaping the competitive landscape.
Critical Examination: Can Musk Deliver?
Musk’s claim that he’ll remain Tesla’s CEO in 2030 is a bold promise, but his track record raises doubts about his ability to deliver. Musk has a history of setting ambitious timelines and missing them—whether it’s FSD, the Cybertruck, or the $25,000 car. His statement at the forum that Tesla has “already turned around” its sales decline contradicts data showing a 10,000-unit drop in China in Q2 2025 and thousands of unsold Model Ys in inventory. This denial of reality, as noted by Electrek, suggests Musk may be out of touch with Tesla’s challenges.
Moreover, Musk’s leadership style—centralized, combative, and often dismissive of criticism—has alienated employees and customers alike. The open letter from Tesla employees in May 2025, which led to the firing of a staff member, highlights internal dissent over Musk’s impact on demand. His political actions, including support for controversial figures and policies, have turned Tesla into a lightning rod, with protests and vandalism becoming a regular occurrence. While Musk claims to be stepping back from politics, his continued involvement in DOGE and his ownership of X ensure he remains a polarizing figure.
Musk’s health, which he casually mentioned with “unless I die,” is another factor. At 53 years old, Musk has spoken about the toll his work takes, including past reliance on Ambien and a grueling schedule. While not an immediate concern, the physical and mental demands of leading multiple companies and advising a U.S. president could impact his ability to stay on through 2030.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Gamble
Elon Musk’s commitment to remain Tesla’s CEO until 2030 is a high-stakes gamble for both him and the company. On one hand, Musk’s vision and tenacity have historically propelled Tesla to new heights, making it the world’s most valuable automaker. His focus on autonomy and robotics could solidify Tesla’s position as an industry leader, provided he delivers on his promises. On the other hand, Tesla’s current struggles—declining sales, a damaged brand, and fierce competition—require a level of focus and adaptability that Musk’s divided attention may not provide. His political baggage, unfulfilled promises, and centralized leadership style pose significant risks to Tesla’s future.
As Musk navigates the next five years, his ability to balance his personal ambitions with Tesla’s needs will be critical. For now, his statement at the Qatar Economic Forum serves as a defiant signal of his intent to steer Tesla through turbulent waters. Whether he can lead the company to new heights by 2030—or whether Tesla will falter under his weight—remains an open question. One thing is certain: the road to 2030 will be anything but smooth for Musk and Tesla.
