After the tragic slaying of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced plans to enhance his security detail to ensure his safety and well-being. Kirk was killed during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, sparking concerns among prominent figures like Musk who have faced aggressive critics in the past.
Aggressive critics
Charlie Kirk, a notable voice in the conservative movement and a close ally of the Trump administration, was targeted by aggressive critics who openly expressed their desire for harm to come to him. Similarly, Elon Musk, known for his contributions to the Trump campaign and work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has also faced significant backlash from critics. This has led to attacks on Tesla owners and the company itself, with stores and cars being vandalized or set on fire in arson attacks.
Despite stepping back from his work with DOGE, Musk continues to be a target of online critics who harbor negative sentiments towards him. Following Kirk’s tragic death, some individuals on platforms like Reddit and Bluesky even went as far as suggesting that Musk or Donald Trump should be the next targets of violence.
Concerns and assurances
In light of the threats and concerns surrounding Elon Musk’s safety, Tesla investors have called on the company’s Board of Directors to increase the CEO’s security detail. With social media users openly discussing the possibility of harm coming to Musk, the request for enhanced security measures is crucial. Tesla investor Alexandra Merz specifically urged the Board to allocate more resources towards Musk’s security, as the current budget stands at just $3.3 million annually.
In response to the calls for heightened security, Musk reassured investors and supporters that he would indeed enhance his security measures. This commitment was well received by the Tesla and electric vehicle community, with many expressing their support for keeping the CEO safe.
Musk’s leadership is a critical component of Tesla’s success, as evidenced by the company’s proposed 2025 CEO performance award. The award outlines a path towards achieving a market cap of $8.5 trillion, with Tesla emphasizing the importance of Elon Musk’s leadership in shaping the company’s future.