Challenges Faced by Elon Musk: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Elon Musk's life and career.

Elon Musk is a prominent businessman, best known for leading Tesla, SpaceX, and X. As of 2025, he serves as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump and effectively heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk has held the title of the world's wealthiest individual since 2021, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $345 billion as of March 2025. He was recognized as Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2021.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2000: Ousted as CEO of X.com

In 2000, Elon Musk was ousted as CEO of X.com and replaced by Peter Thiel due to technological issues and lack of a cohesive business model.

2006: First launch of Falcon 1

In 2006, SpaceX attempted its first launch of the Falcon 1 rocket, which failed to reach Earth orbit but was awarded a NASA contract.

2007: Conflicts within Tesla

In 2007, a series of escalating conflicts occurred within Tesla.

2016: Tesla Acquires SolarCity

In 2016, Tesla acquired SolarCity for $2 billion and merged it with its battery unit to create Tesla Energy. The announcement led to a drop in Tesla's stock price due to SolarCity's liquidity issues.

January 2020: Tesla Directors Settle SolarCity Lawsuit

In January 2020, Tesla directors settled a shareholder lawsuit related to the SolarCity acquisition, leaving Elon Musk as the sole remaining defendant.

May 2020: Musk Resigns as Chairman of Tesla Board

In May 2020, Elon Musk resigned from his position as chairman of the board at Tesla. This action was part of a settlement with the SEC following a lawsuit concerning his tweet about securing funding to potentially take Tesla private.

December 2022: Musk Bans ElonJet Account on Twitter

In December 2022, Elon Musk banned the ElonJet account on Twitter, which tracked his flight usage, and also temporarily banned accounts of journalists who reported on the incident.

2022: Federal Probe Launched into Neuralink

In 2022, a federal probe was launched into possible animal welfare violations by Neuralink.

2022: Musk Acquires Twitter and Implements Changes

In 2022, following the acquisition of Twitter, Elon Musk fired top executives, became CEO, instituted monthly subscriptions for a "blue check", laid off staff, and lessened content moderation.

2023: Denied Ukraine's request to activate Starlink over Crimea

In 2023, Elon Musk denied Ukraine's request to activate Starlink over Crimea to aid an attack against the Russian navy, citing fears of a nuclear response.

2023: Musk's Political Actions Face Scrutiny

Since 2023, Elon Musk's international political actions and comments have come under increasing scrutiny and criticism, especially from governments and leaders of France, Germany, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom.

2025: Musk Criticized for Treatment of Federal Employees

In early 2025, Elon Musk was criticized for his treatment of federal government employees, including his influence over mass layoffs of the federal workforce. He has prioritized secrecy within the organization and has accused others of violating privacy laws.