Elon Musk’s $1trn pay deal is a troubling display of corporate capture

Elon Musk’s $1 Trillion Pay Deal: A Troubling Display of Corporate Capture

Elon Musk once again proved his ability to command attention and control at Tesla’s shareholder meeting on November 6th. Taking the stage with characteristic flair, Musk declared,

“Other shareholder meetings are like snooze fests. Ours are bangers.”

The scene contrasted sharply with the typical corporate atmosphere, as Musk danced to a funk soundtrack alongside one of Tesla’s Optimus robots. His dominance over both the company and its board remains unquestioned.

Elsewhere, the American economic scene shows contrasting developments. President Donald Trump’s administration is increasing spending to bolster domestic industries already shaped by globalisation. Meanwhile, new research indicates that photographs can reveal much about job applicants’ personalities during recruitment processes.

Beyond Tesla, valuations in several markets appear inflated. Companies like Pop Mart, creator of immensely popular collectible toys, aspire to become the “Disney of China.” In the tech arena, dating platforms such as Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are investing heavily in next-generation technology to maintain their edge.

Author’s Summary

Musk’s theatrical leadership at Tesla mirrors a wider pattern of market exuberance and political intervention redefining modern corporate dynamics.

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The Economist The Economist — 2025-11-07

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