International-News

Musk confirms: ‘I will still be CEO of Tesla in five years, if I don’t die’

Tesla founder speaks from Qatar Economic Forum: ‘European market weak, but situation improving’. No step back from role in Trump government

Elon Musk has no intention of stepping down from leading Tesla. Speaking as a guest speaker at the Qatar Economic Forum, the tycoon responded wryly when asked about his future at the carmaker: ‘Do I still see myself as CEO in five years? Yes. If I don’t die…’.

Musk acknowledged the difficulties Tesla is having in the European market, which he described as ‘our weakest market’, but pointed out that the situation is evolving: ‘Sales are going well and the market has already embraced change. The drop in sales in Europe affects all manufacturers, not just Tesla’.

Despite his growing involvement in President Donald Trump’s administration, Musk confirmed that his priority remains leading his companies. He currently heads DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, and serves in an informal advisory role to the government. ‘I work a couple of days a week for the administration. I am an advisor, I have no formal powers: the president can decide whether or not to listen to my advice,’ he explained.

In his speech, Musk also talked about his daily schedule, marked by constant travel between Houston, Washington, Silicon Valley and Los Angeles. ‘I travel a lot. Tomorrow I see the president, then I go back to Silicon Valley in the evening,’ he said.

On the political front, he announced a downsizing of his investments: ‘In terms of spending on politics, I will do a lot less. I think I have done enough. If there is a valid reason to spend, I will do so, but at the moment I don’t see any.’

Finally, he clarified his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after speculations circulated in recent years: ‘I don’t talk to Putin. I only heard him once, five years ago, in a video call. Why should I talk to him today?’

THE LATEST NEWS