Elon Musk Declares Need for Tesla Control While Building Robot Army

In a dramatic conclusion to Tesla’s earnings call, Elon Musk declared his need for adequate control over the company while building its “robot army,” linking the issue to his trillion-dollar compensation package. The statement came as shareholders prepare to vote on the controversial plan at the November 6 annual meeting.
Tesla’s quarterly financial review had addressed the company’s advances in AI technology, autonomous vehicles, and the Optimus humanoid robot before Musk’s intervention. His colorful reference to building a robot army highlighted his concern that proxy advisors could threaten his continued leadership of innovative projects.
Musk explained his need for sufficient voting influence to maintain strategic control while remaining subject to shareholder oversight. He framed the compensation issue as essential for protecting Tesla’s ambitious technology initiatives from removal threats based on what he characterized as misguided external recommendations.
The CEO directed his sharpest criticism toward ISS and Glass Lewis, accusing these proxy advisory firms of lacking competence regarding Tesla’s business model and strategic objectives. Musk specifically expressed discomfort with the possibility of removal from robotics leadership based on their recommendations.
CFO Vaibhav Taneja wrapped up the controversial call by emphasizing the performance-based nature of Musk’s compensation package. The CFO stressed that the board designed the plan to ensure Musk receives nothing unless shareholders see substantial returns, making multiple requests for investor approval before concluding.