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

Elon Musk’s $1 Trillion Pay Deal: A Troubling Sign of Corporate Control

Elon Musk, the outspoken chief of Tesla, seems to have the company and its board entirely under his influence. During the shareholders' meeting on November 6, he confidently remarked:

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

The event, filled with spectacle, featured Musk dancing to a funk soundtrack alongside one of Tesla’s Optimus androids—making it nearly impossible for anyone to doze off.

While Tesla’s showmanship captivates audiences, America itself appears to be drifting from its traditional economic strategy. President Donald Trump’s administration is increasing costs to protect industries that have already adapted to globalisation, a move that some economists view as counterproductive.

Elsewhere, researchers present new evidence that a single photo can reveal much about a job applicant’s personality, reshaping how recruiters assess candidates. At the same time, Tesla’s market value continues to defy logic, raising concerns about speculative excess.

Beyond Tesla, Pop Mart, the creator of beloved collectible toys, hopes to become China’s equivalent of Disney. Meanwhile, dating platforms like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are betting heavily on emerging technologies to maintain their competitive edge.

Author’s Summary

Musk’s billion-dollar showmanship mirrors deeper corporate and economic shifts, where spectacle, influence, and risk dominate business and policy alike.

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The Economist The Economist — 2025-11-07

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