THELAST.NEWSALL PEOPLE

PERSON · PROFILE

Elon Musk

Chief Executive Officer · Tesla and SpaceX

AI-assisted summary · THELAST.NEWS

Elon Musk leads Tesla and SpaceX. Tesla’s investor-relations biography records his appointment as Tesla CEO in October 2008 and his board membership from April 2004. It also records his leadership of SpaceX from May 2002.

These roles connect two distinct areas of technology: electric vehicles and space systems. This profile provides background alongside related reporting. A company’s announced plans, a demonstrated capability and a delivered product are different stages, and reports about each should make that distinction clear.

OFFICIAL PROFILE

49 developments, newest first.

Pentagon Watchdog Declines to Investigate Starlink Outages in Ukraine

The Pentagon's inspector general's office has declined to investigate outages in Starlink and its military version, Starshield, in Ukraine. The office cited that the questions would be better directed to the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. Ukrainian military officials reported encountering restrictions on Starshield connectivity, which dropped when drones exceeded speeds of 160 kilometers per hour. The cause of the restrictions remains unclear, with both Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump denying involvement. Musk accused the Ukrainian military of violating Starlink's terms of service, claiming the service was used for offensive drone strikes. The Ukrainian military has not commented on the allegations. The decision not to investigate has raised concerns among lawmakers, with Senator Jeanne Shaheen stating that it is 'concerning' that the inspector general has declined to investigate satellite communication disruptions that Ukraine relies on to protect its civilians.

X Deploys Jarring Animated Arm to Highlight Promote Button for Verified and Premium Users

Elon Musk’s recent warning that advertisers using “ugly, shrill, strident” ads would be barred from X’s platform has coincided with a new, eye‑catching interface feature. While composing a post, a bright animated arm appears on the screen, reaching across to point directly at the “promote” button. The effect is designed to draw attention to paid promotion options. According to The Verge, the arm is visible only to verified users and those subscribed to X Premium, and it has not appeared for all users. The feature has already sparked criticism on social media, with many users sharing screenshots of the unsettling animation. X has not yet issued a statement explaining the rollout or its intended impact.

Tesla's Robotaxi Mileage Surpasses Waymo in Austin, But Larger Gap Remains

Elon Musk has declared Tesla's Robotaxi a winner in its driverless mileage competition against Waymo, citing a recent achievement in Austin, Texas. According to Musk, Tesla's driverless fleet logged 438,000 miles in a single week in Austin, surpassing Waymo's weekly average of 406,000 miles in the city. However, this success is limited to a single city and a short period, and when considering the entire US, Waymo still drives about seven times more driverless miles than Tesla every week. The figure for Waymo's weekly mileage is based on data from four months ago, which may not reflect the company's current performance.

Elon Musk Restricts Starlink Military Use in Ukraine Over Russian Anti-Satellite Threat

SpaceX chief Elon Musk has restricted the use of Starlink satellite terminals for Ukraine's armed forces due to concerns that Russia could shoot down the company's satellites. Musk made the announcement on X, stating that Starlink must remain a civilian operation to avoid becoming a target for Russian anti-satellite attacks. He claimed that an adversary blowing up Starlink satellites would create a domino effect of destruction, generating a vast field of debris that would make space unusable. The restrictions were reportedly initiated in mid-October, specifically affecting the military version of Starlink, known as Starshield. Ukraine's armed forces had been using Starlink for various purposes, including drone strikes, but Musk accused them of using the service for 'offensive' strikes. The Ukrainian military responded that this was 'technically impossible' since Starlink does not work over Russian territory.

Tesla Eyes Autonomous Driving Merger After Viral Roadster Stunt

Elon Musk’s “flying” Roadster, which leapt and flipped in a compressed‑gas thruster stunt developed by SpaceX, went viral in early October. Five days later, Musk announced that Tesla and SpaceX are exploring a merger that could accelerate Tesla’s push into autonomous driving. The move signals a broader shift in the automotive sector, as car groups face rising Chinese competition and look to diversify beyond vehicle sales. They are increasingly targeting recurring revenue streams from software and AI‑powered services. Tesla’s potential merger would bring together SpaceX’s propulsion expertise and Tesla’s automotive platform, positioning the company to lead the next wave of autonomous technology and reshape its business model.

Musk Accuses Ukraine of Violating Starlink Terms with Deadly Drone Strikes

Elon Musk has accused Ukraine of violating the terms of service for its Starlink satellite internet service. Musk claims that Ukraine used the commercial Starlink service for lethal drone strikes. This accusation comes after SpaceX imposed a restriction on Ukraine's use of the technology, preventing it from being used on drones flying above certain speeds. Ukraine officials have denied Musk's accusation, stating that previous limits imposed by SpaceX already prevented the military from using Starlink in the described manner. The dispute centers around the use of Starshield, the military variant of Starlink, which Ukraine has access to through a deal with the US government. Ukraine officials have accused Musk of throttling their use of Starshield, while Musk's comments suggest that Ukraine is violating the terms of service for the commercial Starlink service.

Tesla Partners with Turo for FSD Test Drives

Tesla is teaming up with car rental platform Turo to offer test drives of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Starting October 28, US renters will be able to search for Teslas with FSD (Supervised) enabled through a direct integration with Tesla. This partnership aims to put FSD in front of people who don't own a Tesla, potentially increasing subscriptions to the feature. Turo's integration with Tesla will verify the FSD status of each car, ensuring a seamless experience for renters. This collaboration marks a new way for Tesla to showcase its FSD technology and generate revenue through subscriptions. The move is likely to attract more users to Tesla's FSD feature, which is a key component of the company's business strategy.

Tesla Delays Optimus Delivery to 2027, Highlights Ongoing Technical Hurdles

On its Q3 2026 earnings call, Elon Musk announced that Tesla will not ship its Optimus humanoid robot to external customers until the end of 2027. Musk said the robot’s hands, durability, and artificial‑intelligence systems still require significant refinement. These three issues mirror the challenges faced by other humanoid‑robot makers. Musk also noted that, contrary to his earlier claims, competitors such as XPeng and Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics are at least as advanced in their development. The delay underscores the difficulty of translating prototype technology into a market‑ready product. Tesla’s postponement may influence investor expectations and the broader race to commercialize humanoid robots.

Tech Giants Face Mixed Signals Ahead of Fall 2026 Earnings

Tesla’s Optimus robot is reportedly in production, yet the company cautions it is not yet ready for full deployment. Tesla also plans to allow customers to add their own vehicles to a robotaxi fleet next year, though the feasibility remains unclear. Meta announced a new class of shares to fund its AI initiatives, noting that a $22 billion child‑safety settlement has already cut into potential earnings. Tesla’s Q3 revenue remained flat, and the company is in talks with SpaceX about a possible merger. Elon Musk said SpaceX will attempt to catch its Starship booster for the first time, while the company credits a surge in AI‑driven revenue for its recent growth. Netflix, meanwhile, reassured investors despite declining viewership.

SpaceX Sets Sights on Rapid Starship Cadence Increase

SpaceX is shifting its focus towards providing massive compute power for artificial intelligence, with plans to roll out up to 10 GW of ground-based compute in 2027. However, the company's long-term ambitions to offer data services from space still rely on the Starship vehicle. During an earnings call, SpaceX founder Elon Musk and president Gwynne Shotwell outlined new performance targets for the Starship. The company aims to achieve a rapid cadence increase, with the next flight set to attempt a Starship catch. This development marks a significant step towards SpaceX's goal of providing data services from space. The Starship vehicle will play a crucial role in supporting the company's plans for the 'Starmind' data center constellation. With its focus on artificial intelligence and data services, SpaceX is positioning itself as a major player in the industry.

Tesla Pushes Unsupervised FSD to Q2 2027, But With a Twist

Tesla has announced that unsupervised 'Full Self-Driving' (FSD) capabilities will be available in customer-owned cars by Q2 2027. However, this feature will only be accessible within designated Robotaxi zones. According to Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's AI chief, this means that owners will need to add their vehicles to Tesla's managed Robotaxi fleet in order to access FSD. This development marks the latest delay in a promise Elon Musk has been making to FSD buyers for nearly a decade. The Robotaxi fleet is a network of Tesla vehicles that operate as taxis, providing a managed and supervised experience for passengers. By integrating FSD into this fleet, Tesla aims to create a more efficient and autonomous transportation system. But for individual car owners, the prospect of FSD remains elusive, at least for now.

Musk Restricts Ukraine’s Starshield, Trump Claims No Order

Elon Musk ordered a temporary restriction on Ukraine’s use of the military‑grade Starlink system, Starshield, on Oct. 14. The move left Ukrainian forces without satellite communications for a day, disrupting missions and sparking panic in Kyiv. SpaceX representatives later met with White House officials and issued a joint statement saying the company and the Trump administration had coordinated the action. Musk and President Trump spoke by phone shortly after the restriction became public, and some sources say they had discussed the proposal beforehand. Trump denied giving any directive and said he was unaware of who had imposed the limits. The Telegraph reports that Musk had approached Trump with a plan to curb Starlink speeds, and Trump reportedly agreed. The incident has highlighted the fragility of Ukraine’s digital battlefield infrastructure.

Elon Musk Could Merge SpaceX and Tesla to Consolidate Control

Elon Musk, who owns nearly a fifth of Tesla and holds voting control at SpaceX, has been discussed as a potential merger between the two companies. Such a consolidation would bring his significant stakes in both firms under a single corporate umbrella, potentially streamlining decision‑making and aligning strategic priorities. The move could also intensify scrutiny from regulators and investors concerned about market concentration and the impact on competition in both the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Tesla and SpaceX Explore Merger, Potential Impact on Shareholders

Tesla and SpaceX have formed special committees to explore a potential merger, which could have significant consequences for shareholders. As both companies are led by Elon Musk, the CEO, the move is being closely watched. The merger could lead to a dilution of shares, affecting not only Tesla and SpaceX investors but also those with exposure to major stock indices through their retirement savings.

Top Investor Forecasts SpaceX Acquisition of Tesla at $420 per Share

A prominent investor has publicly predicted that SpaceX will acquire Tesla at a price of $420 per share in the coming weeks. The forecast comes amid ongoing speculation about a possible merger between the two Musk‑led companies. Elon Musk has a history of consolidating his ventures, most notably when Tesla acquired SolarCity to strengthen its renewable energy portfolio. While the prediction has not been confirmed by either company, it has sparked discussion among investors and analysts about the potential strategic and financial implications of such a deal. If the acquisition proceeds, it would merge Tesla’s electric‑vehicle and energy businesses with SpaceX’s aerospace operations, potentially reshaping both industries.

Tesla Revives Roadster with Decades-Old Stunt Technology

Tesla is attempting to revive the Roadster, nine years after its initial attempt. The new model features angular, wedge-shaped styling reminiscent of the Lotus Esprit and Lamborghini Gallardo. A notable design element is the presence of four giant exhaust pipes, which emit 100,000 psi jets of compressed nitrogen. This technology is typically associated with stunt vehicles. The legality of using such a system on public roads remains unclear, as it is not explicitly addressed in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Statutes. Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has returned to California's showbiz industry to showcase the new Roadster, which promises to be unlike anything else on the market.

MacKenzie Scott’s Philanthropy Erases $40 B in U.S. Medical Debt, Supports HBCUs

MacKenzie Scott’s recent charitable activity has had a measurable impact on U.S. healthcare and education. According to The Times of India, her contributions to the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt have helped erase $40 billion in medical debt across all 50 states. In addition, Scott has donated more than $1 billion to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), reinforcing her focus on educational equity. Her giving style is notable for its lack of restrictions and reporting requirements, a feature that has attracted criticism from public figures such as Elon Musk, who has questioned the transparency of her philanthropy. The scale of her donations underscores the growing influence of private wealth in addressing systemic social issues, while also raising questions about accountability and the long‑term sustainability of such initiatives.

Musk Congratulates Tech Leaders as Trump Awards National Medals

During the Science: A New Golden Age Summit, President Donald Trump presented the National Medal of Science to tech pioneers Jensen Huang and Lisa Su, honoring their transformative contributions to technology and the U. S. economy. Elon Musk sent a congratulatory message to the recipients, underscoring the collaborative spirit among industry innovators. The awards highlight the pivotal role of engineering and research in shaping America’s future, while the summit itself serves as a platform for dialogue on scientific advancement and national policy. The ceremony reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing excellence that drives economic growth and technological leadership.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving Safety Claim Sparks Debate

Elon Musk has claimed that Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology could save 90% of lives lost in global car crashes. This assertion has sparked a debate, with some arguing that Musk has a moral imperative to ensure all Tesla customers use the feature. The claim is based on a comparison to human drivers, with Musk stating that Tesla's technology is safer. The safety implications of this technology are being closely watched, particularly in light of reported US traffic fatalities in 2025.

Flint Schools Install New Filtration Systems, Testing Confirms Lead Removal

In 2018, Elon Musk donated $480,350 to fund water filters for Flint Community Schools. The district has now installed new filtration systems across all schools and its administrative building. Previously, students relied on bottled water because of lead and bacterial contamination concerns. Independent testing confirms the new systems effectively remove lead and harmful bacteria from the water supply. Drinking stations are now available in every school, though bottled water will continue to be provided throughout the school year to ensure safety and convenience for students and staff.

US-China AI Race Raises Concerns Over Uncontrollable Development

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked concerns that it may be harder to control than nuclear technology. Experts, including Elon Musk and Dario Amodei, have compared AI to "weaponisable nuclear materials" due to its potential dangers. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the world's nuclear watchdog, is often cited as a model for policing AI. The US-China AI race has raised questions about the ability to regulate this rapidly advancing field.

Grokipedia Resumes Updates After Months‑Long Pause

Elon Musk’s AI‑powered encyclopedia, Grokipedia, has begun updating its articles again after a months‑long lull. In August, Lawfare reported that the platform had not reviewed edits since April, but the live updates page now shows recent changes, many of which are notes urging editors to “recheck all references and sources.” The site’s activity has noticeably increased, with the Barack Obama page marked “Fact‑checked by Grok” two days ago and the Elon Musk page receiving a fact‑check during the writing of this report. These developments suggest a renewed focus on content verification and editorial oversight within the AI‑driven knowledge base.

Tesla Secures SEC OK for Standing Auto‑Vote Instruction Ahead of Uncertain 2026 Meeting

Tesla (TSLA) has received the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval to let retail shareholders enroll in a standing instruction that automatically votes their shares in line with the company’s board at every meeting until they opt out. The move comes as Tesla has yet to set a date for its 2026 annual meeting, and Elon Musk has repeatedly hinted at a potential merger with SpaceX that could unlock a large portion of his $1 trillion compensation package without meeting any operational milestones. The new voting option could streamline shareholder alignment with board positions, but it also raises questions about how much influence individual investors will have in a period of corporate uncertainty and high‑stakes speculation.

US DOJ Joins Elon Musk in Challenge to EU Fine on X

The U. S. Department of Justice announced it will intervene in Elon Musk’s appeal against a €120 million fine imposed by the European Commission on Musk’s social media platform X. The fine, part of Brussels’ broader effort to regulate U. S. tech firms, was issued despite X having no significant presence or operations within the EU. The DOJ’s application to join the appeal will be heard at the EU General Court in Luxembourg, where Musk and X are seeking annulment of the penalty. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate criticized the Commission’s attempt to extend its regulatory authority beyond its jurisdiction, arguing it overreached in targeting an American company not operating in the EU.

Boring Company Proposes Austin–San Antonio Hyperloop, Yet Past Projects Remain Unfinished

Elon Musk’s Boring Company has announced a new Hyperloop concept linking Austin and San Antonio, aiming to reduce travel time between the two Texas cities. The proposal follows a pattern of ambitious plans that have yet to materialize, as many of the company’s earlier projects have stalled or been canceled. While the pitch has generated media attention, no construction timeline or funding commitments have been disclosed. The company’s history of unfulfilled announcements casts doubt on the likelihood of the Hyperloop reaching the ground, but the idea reflects Musk’s ongoing push for rapid, high‑capacity transit solutions. Stakeholders will need to watch for any concrete steps toward feasibility studies or partnership announcements before the project can move beyond the proposal stage.

Musk Announces New 200‑mph Hyperloop Tunnel Between Austin and San Antonio

Elon Musk announced that the Boring Company is developing a 200‑mph Hyperloop tunnel linking Austin and San Antonio, a route that could cut the drive to under 30 minutes. The claim was posted on X this weekend, but Musk offered no details on the tunnel’s alignment, construction schedule, or budget. The proposal echoes a promise Musk has reiterated for more than a decade, yet the company has yet to build any Hyperloop tunnels. The announcement reignites speculation about high‑speed transit in Texas, but without a defined route or financial plan, the project remains an unsubstantiated vision rather than a concrete plan.

Elon Musk Drives Anticipation for New Documentary 'Musk'

A new documentary titled "Musk" is generating significant buzz, with the subject himself actively promoting the film. The release has sparked a surge of interest among audiences, as Musk’s own publicity efforts amplify the project’s visibility. The film promises to delve into the life and career of the entrepreneur, offering viewers an inside look at his ventures and personal philosophy. While details about the documentary’s content remain limited, the combination of Musk’s star power and the media’s focus suggests that the release will attract widespread attention. The project’s high profile is expected to stimulate discussions about Musk’s influence on technology, business, and potentially climate-related initiatives. The documentary’s launch marks a notable moment in the intersection of celebrity, media, and public discourse.

AI CEOs Unite to Call for Regulation Amid Growing Concerns

In a rare moment of consensus, leaders of the world’s most influential AI companies—OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, DeepMind co‑founder Demis Hassabis, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, and X’s Elon Musk—publicly urged a slowdown in AI development to prevent loss of control. The announcement came after days of high‑profile statements warning that unchecked progress could outpace safety measures. The executives framed their call as a precautionary step, echoing historical cautions from earlier technological revolutions. While the remarks were framed as a call for regulation, the statement did not specify a particular policy framework, but it signals a unified industry stance that could influence lawmakers. The collective voice of these profit‑driven figures adds weight to the debate over how and when to impose oversight on rapidly evolving AI systems.

EU to Discuss AI Development Slowdown with Industry Leaders

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to invite main artificial intelligence companies to discuss industry efforts to impose a slowdown of AI development. In her State of the European Union speech, von der Leyen acknowledged safety warnings from top tech bosses, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Elon Musk, and OpenAI chief Sam Altman. She did not offer an explicit assessment on those calls, but said Europe would support ongoing industry efforts. The Commission president also called for international collaboration on testing and evaluating frontier AI models, with invitations extended to the U. K. and Canada. Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe should focus on drawing value from AI, rather than leading its development. The Commission will focus on five sectors: health, transport, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, and defence and space.

Former Google DeepMind Researcher Warns AI Could 'Kill All Humans'

A former Google DeepMind employee has joined the growing chorus of AI researchers warning that the technology could pose a catastrophic threat to humanity. Bilal Chughtai, who worked on AGI safety and alignment research, resigned from the company in July 2026 and has expressed his concerns about the potential dangers of AI. Chughtai believes that AI has the potential to kill all humans and that time may be running out to avoid this outcome. He calls for a slowdown in the pace of advanced AI development to allow society to handle emerging risks before extreme harm is realized. Chughtai's comments come as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has also called for a slowdown in AI development, winning backing from SpaceXAI's Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. However, President Donald Trump has dismissed the warnings, calling the AI industry's call for regulation a 'hoax'.

AI Titans Agree to Slow Development, Propose Auditing and Regulation

Over the weekend, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Google DeepMind co‑founder Demis Hassabis, and SpaceX chief Elon Musk announced a joint decision to slow the pace of AI research. The group signed a proposal that would embed third‑party auditors, impose new regulations on domestic AI labs, and pursue a coordinated global slowdown. Critics argue the move could suppress competition, stifle the open‑source community, and avoid robust legal safeguards, labeling it a potential cartel. The announced framework will require participating labs to submit to independent oversight and adhere to stricter safety protocols before releasing new models. The initiative marks the first formal agreement among major AI developers to curb rapid progress, setting a precedent for industry‑wide governance.

TIFF 2026 Showcases Elon Musk Doc, New York Pickpocket, and More

The Toronto International Film Festival’s 2026 lineup includes a four‑hour Elon Musk documentary, the feature "Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother," and "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York." Streaming series such as "Crystal Lake" and "Carrie" also appear on the program. The Verge’s film critic will publish daily bite‑sized reviews, offering readers a concise overview of each screening. The festival, known for spotlighting future award contenders, previously highlighted films like "Hamnet" and "Obsession" in 2025. By covering the event in real time, the critic provides a snapshot of how these titles might perform at the box office and in award circuits. Viewers can follow the reviews on the Verge site to gauge critical reception before the films’ wider releases.

New Documentary Explores Elon Musk's Rise to Power

A new documentary by Alex Gibney chronicles Elon Musk's journey from early days as a dot-com millionaire to his current influence on US government departments. The film, which clocks in at nearly four hours, provides a thorough retelling of Musk's story, but may prove too demanding for some viewers. Musk himself is featured in the documentary, sharing his experiences and insights in a compelling and convincing manner. However, the film may not offer much in the way of new revelations for those already familiar with Musk's impact on the world. Gibney, known for his previous documentaries on Theranos and Steve Jobs, brings a wealth of experience to the project, making the film an impressive and thorough exploration of Musk's rise to power.

House Speaker Mike Johnson Rejects AI Moratorium, Citing China Threat

House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected an emergency moratorium on artificial intelligence development, warning that slowing American innovation could allow China to pull ahead. Johnson proposed a meeting between AI leaders, providers, and policymakers to find a balance between safety and innovation. Republican National Committee member Amy Kremer called for guardrails to protect Americans while preserving America's technological advantage. Kremer also emphasized the need for local control over data centers and rejecting eminent domain for projects. The AI debate has accelerated after Anthrophic CEO Dario Amodei called for slowing AI development, drawing support from xAI founder Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. President Donald Trump rejected calls for a broader slowdown, stating that the US is leading China in AI and wants to keep it that way.

Zuckerberg Returns to X to Launch Meta’s Muse AI

Mark Zuckerberg rejoined Elon Musk’s X platform after a three‑year absence, using the venue to introduce Meta’s newest artificial‑intelligence system, Muse. The move was strategic: by posting on X, Zuckerberg targeted engineers and researchers who frequent the network, sparking conversations around the technology. Muse, a generative‑AI framework, is positioned to serve developers seeking to embed advanced AI capabilities into applications. Zuckerberg’s outreach on X is designed to showcase Muse’s features, invite feedback, and encourage collaboration from the broader tech community. The announcement came with a series of technical posts and live Q&A sessions, inviting developers to experiment with the platform and contribute to its evolution. Meta’s choice of X underscores its intent to leverage high‑profile social channels to accelerate developer engagement and broaden Muse’s adoption across industries.

Anthropic CEO Urges AI Industry to Slow Pace, Gains Support from Musk and Altman

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published an essay on Saturday urging the AI sector to slow its development pace, warning that rapid progress could outstrip human control. He called for wiser use of the time gained and highlighted the need for a kill switch. The appeal was echoed by SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who posted “Dario is right,” and by OpenAI chief Sam Altman, who wrote “I agree with Dario that we need to pace the frontier.” Critics argue voluntary measures may be insufficient. Former OpenAI researcher Daniel Kokotajlo warned that advanced systems could become autonomous and threaten humanity, calling for more radical safeguards. Lawmakers, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, have urged Congress to convene a special session on AI, stressing the need for accountability and a kill switch to prevent misuse.

Tesla Unveils Rare-Earth-Free Motor, Raising Questions About China's Trade Advantage

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced the development of a rare-earth-free motor for the company's Cybercab, sparking debate about its potential impact on the electric vehicle industry and China's trade position. The motor, which does not contain rare earth elements, could reduce the industry's reliance on these essential components. This move has been seen as an effort to shift the electric vehicle supply chain, potentially undercutting one of China's key advantages in its trade conflict with the US. While the technology is still in its early stages, it has raised questions about the future of the EV industry and China's role in it.

Tesla Australia Sees Historic EV Sales Milestone

Elon Musk has congratulated Tesla Australia on a historic achievement: for the first time, electric vehicles (EVs) outsold internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in Australia. According to Tesla Australia and New Zealand, the Model Y was the top-selling vehicle, and Tesla ranked as the third-best-selling brand overall for the month. This milestone marks a significant shift in the country's automotive market.

Musk Wins Court Order to Block Use of 'Twitter' Name

A US court has granted Elon Musk's X a preliminary injunction to block Operation Bluebird from launching a new app using the Twitter name. The ruling was based on X's argument that it still uses the Twitter name in its current listing on Apple's App Store. The listing states, 'Welcome to X (formerly known as Twitter),' which the court found to be evidence that X has not entirely abandoned the Twitter name. This decision is a significant victory for X in its trademark infringement and dilution claims against Operation Bluebird.

Tesla Cybercab Faces Investigation Over Safety Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into the Tesla Cybercab, citing its lack of traditional safety features. The Cybercab, a robot car unveiled by Elon Musk, is missing design elements such as sideview mirrors, pedals, and a steering wheel, which are required by law under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The investigation aims to examine the process and technical data behind Tesla's certification of the vehicle.

Tesla's Cybercab Rolls Out in Austin, Texas

Tesla's Cybercab, a paid robotaxi service, has launched in Austin, Texas, with a fleet of gold-colored two-seaters. The service allows passengers to hail a ride using the Tesla app, but it's unclear if Elon Musk was in attendance at the launch event. The Cybercab service is a significant development in the autonomous taxi market, offering a glimpse into the future of transportation. However, details about the service's capabilities and limitations are still emerging.

Elon Musk's Super PAC Injects $800,000 into Tight Republican Congressional Races Ahead of Midterms

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has directed more than $800,000 from his super PAC into a dozen key congressional races in the U. S. midterm election cycle. The funds are earmarked for direct‑mail campaigns and other campaign materials for Republican candidates facing close contests. The spending comes as the midterms approach and several seats are considered highly competitive. Musk’s involvement adds a high‑profile, well‑funded voice to the Republican side, potentially boosting the resources available to candidates in tight districts. The move underscores the growing role of wealthy donors in shaping electoral outcomes.

Bill Chooses Tesla Model Y Despite Reservations About Elon Musk

Bill tested several electric vehicles before settling on a Tesla Model Y, even though he dislikes Elon Musk. The decision highlights Tesla’s continued appeal to buyers who prioritize performance and range over the company’s public image. Bill’s experience will be featured in CleanTechnica’s regular EV‑transition series, offering readers firsthand insight into the pros and cons of the Model Y. The story underscores that a vehicle’s technical merits can outweigh concerns about its founder, and it may prompt other consumers to evaluate Tesla on its own merits rather than its leadership.

SpaceX Foundry Aims to Cut Gas Turbine Deployment by 18 Months Amid Pollution Concerns

Elon Musk announced that a new, secretive SpaceX foundry will enable the company to cast its own turbine blades, potentially bringing gas‑powered plants online 18 months faster than competitors. The move is part of Musk’s broader push to expand gas turbine infrastructure. However, the fuel source powering these turbines—already linked to a wave of lawsuits and health‑impact studies—raises immediate regulatory and environmental questions. The accelerated rollout could increase the number of turbines operating on this fuel, intensifying exposure to pollutants and amplifying legal scrutiny in regions where the turbines have been deployed.

Elon Musk’s Attempt to Override First Amendment on New Platform Fails

Elon Musk’s new social‑media platform saw a tweet from the CEO declaring, “Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy.” The statement was a reference to the First Amendment’s protection against congressional abridgement of speech. According to CleanTechnica, Musk’s effort to sidestep First Amendment constraints was unsuccessful. The platform therefore remains subject to the same constitutional limits that govern other media outlets. No policy changes or legal actions have been announced to alter this status. The platform’s compliance with First Amendment law will continue to shape its content moderation and user‑interaction rules.

CleanTechnica Debates Billionaire Philanthropy in Dolly Parton vs. Elon Musk Op-Ed

CleanTechnica published an opinion piece titled "Dolly Parton Or Elon Musk — Who Is The True Humanitarian?" that contrasts the charitable track records of Dolly Parton and Elon Musk. The author points out that many tech billionaires—Musk, Thiel, Andreesen, Huang, Zuckerberg, Bezos, and Altman—excel at accumulating wealth but are comparatively poor at distributing it. The piece frames this disparity as a broader critique of how wealth creation in the technology sector does not automatically translate into humanitarian impact, and it invites readers to consider the role of philanthropy in addressing climate and social challenges.

New Twitter Launches, Claims Musk's X Abandoned Name

A Virginia-based startup, Operation Bluebird, has launched a new social media network called Twitter. now. The company's cofounder, Stephen Coates, stated that they have waited months to launch but are no longer willing to wait. Operation Bluebird believes that when Elon Musk bought Twitter in 2022 and changed the company's name to X, the Twitter identity and intellectual property were abandoned. The new network aims to revive the allegedly abandoned name and logo. Coates emphasized that Operation Bluebird has a product and investors, and they are now moving forward with their launch. The development comes after Ars Technica reported on Operation Bluebird's efforts in December 2025. The new network's launch is seen as a challenge to Elon Musk's X, which has been using the Twitter name and logo since its acquisition.

Cards Against Humanity Plans Monument to Elon Musk Near Starbase, Texas

Cards Against Humanity, the company behind the popular card game, is launching a crowdfunding campaign to build a grand monument to Elon Musk on a parcel of land it owns near SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas. The project, described as a “perfect monument to force a moment of introspection upon the world’s richest, ugliest little bitch,” is intended to provoke Musk into questioning his own status and relationships. The company’s founder, Brendan Smialowski, has stated that the monument’s purpose is to make Musk wonder, for a brief moment, ‘Wait, am I a sad little bitch with no friends?’ The stunt follows Cards Against Humanity’s history of provocative public actions. In 2017, the company purchased the same land to disrupt President Donald Trump’s plans to build a U.S./Mexico border wall. In 2024, it sued SpaceX over an undisclosed issue, further cementing its reputation for using legal and public relations tactics to challenge powerful entities. The monument will be funded through the company’s typical vulgar and irreverent style, and it is expected to attract attention from both Musk’s supporters and critics alike. While the project’s exact design and timeline remain undisclosed, the announcement has already sparked debate about the limits of satire and the influence of corporate activism on high-profile tech figures.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk Earns 2.5 Million Times More Than an Average Worker Amid Profit Decline

A recent report from Electrek reveals that in 2025 Elon Musk earned as much as 2,522,203 average Tesla employees combined, making him the highest‑compensated CEO in the company’s history. The figure underscores a stark pay gap that has drawn attention from investors, regulators, and the public. The report also notes that Musk’s compensation surge coincided with a significant drop in Tesla’s profits—a decline that analysts say he was largely personally responsible for. While the exact reasons for the profit slump are still unfolding, the timing raises questions about the alignment between executive incentives and company performance. For Tesla’s workforce, the disparity highlights ongoing concerns about fairness and morale, especially as the company continues to expand production and invest in new technologies. For shareholders, the data may prompt a reassessment of executive pay structures and governance practices. Overall, the story illustrates the tension between high executive rewards and corporate outcomes, a dynamic that could influence future regulatory scrutiny and investor sentiment toward Tesla and the broader automotive industry.