Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated during the company's Q3 earnings call that he requires about 25% voting control to advance ambitious projects like the Optimus robot, warning he might depart without approval of his proposed $1 trillion compensation package. The package, tied to performance milestones, faces opposition from proxy firms and some investors ahead of the November 6, 2025, shareholder meeting. Tesla's board emphasizes retaining Musk as crucial to the company's future in AI and robotics.
On October 28, 2025, during Tesla's third-quarter earnings call, CEO Elon Musk urged shareholders to approve a $1 trillion compensation package, linking it to greater voting control for pursuing artificial intelligence and robotics initiatives. Musk, who currently holds about 13% of Tesla's shares—down after selling stock to fund his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter (now X) in 2022—said he needs roughly 25% voting power to feel secure. He jokingly referred to the Optimus humanoid robots as a potential 'robot army,' aimed at performing unsafe, repetitive, or mundane tasks.
"My fundamental concern with regard to how much voting control I have at Tesla is, if I go ahead and build this enormous robot army, can I just be ousted at some point in the future? That’s my biggest concern," Musk said. He added, "It’s called compensation, but it’s not like I’m going to go spend the money. I just want to have a strong influence over the robot army we’re building."
The proposal differs from Musk's 2018 plan, worth around $55 billion, which remains entangled in a Delaware court battle. A judge ruled shareholders lacked sufficient information for the original approval, and the Delaware Supreme Court is reviewing Tesla's appeal. This new package involves shares rather than options, allowing Musk to vote with earned shares before they vest, and includes pay-for-performance measures linked to milestones.
Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm stressed the stakes in a letter to investors: "Without Elon, Tesla could lose significant value, as our company may no longer be valued for what we aim to become." Analysts anticipate approval at the November 6 annual meeting, with votes due by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 5.
Opposition is growing, however. Proxy firms Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis recommended voting against it, with ISS calling the size 'astronomical.' Musk labeled them 'corporate terrorists.' New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Comptroller Brad Lander urged rejection, citing governance concerns. A 'Take Back Tesla' campaign by unions and watchdogs criticizes Musk's political activities and social media posts for damaging the brand. Tesla has run ads and added a website countdown to rally support, while Q3 results showed revenue of $28.1 billion, up 12% year-over-year, though earnings per share fell 31% to $0.55.
