Elon Musk's Tumultuous 2025: Washington Appearances, Corporate Challenges, and Legal Controversies
Elon Musk's activities in 2025 were marked by high-profile political involvement, significant corporate developments, and multiple controversies.
In Washington, Musk made notable appearances, including attending an inauguration with Donald Trump where he was reported to have performed a Nazi-style salute. His political engagements extended to speaking at the CPAC in February with a chainsaw and actively funding Republican causes, reflecting a more rightward stance. However, a Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate backed by Musk's Doge bureau lost, and Musk departed the White House in May while hinting at future political maneuvers. The Doge bureau's push to cut federal agencies led to mass layoffs and lawsuits over issues of privacy and transparency. Critics warned that potential USAID funding cuts could disrupt HIV/AIDS treatment and worsen child hunger.
Tesla faced a year of mixed fortunes with a pay package that could position Musk as the world's first trillionaire, yet global sales declined. California's DMV issued a warning that it might ban Tesla unless Autopilot claims were corrected within 90 days. SpaceX expanded its operations with Starlink and increased launches following FAA and U.S. Air Force approvals, despite frequent Starship explosions. Mexico filed legal action due to debris harming endangered sea turtle hatchlings.
In technology, xAI acquired X in an all-stock deal valued around $33 billion. However, the Grok chatbot created problematic content, even as it secured a $200 million Department of Defense contract to integrate into federal tools. xAI's Memphis datacenters faced pollution allegations and litigation supported by the NAACP over the use of portable methane generators and permitting issues.
Neuralink advanced brain-chip testing, announcing implants completed in 12 patients by September 2025. Despite these advances, Musk's ecosystem experienced executive turnover, with top leaders exiting from X, Tesla, and xAI, including X's CEO and advertising chief.
On a personal front, Ashley St Clair filed a custody lawsuit regarding their child. Musk reportedly fathered 14 children, and The New York Times published an investigation into Errol Musk, adding to public scrutiny of Musk's private life.
