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 businessman primarily known for his involvement in Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter. As of 2025, he holds a senior advisory position to US President Donald Trump and effectively leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). With an estimated net worth of $320 billion USD in March 2025, Forbes recognizes him as the wealthiest individual globally.

Sections (6)

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

2000: Ouster as CEO of X.com

In 2000, Elon Musk was ousted as CEO of X.com 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 led to a NASA contract.

2007: Escalating Conflicts in Tesla

In 2007, a series of escalating conflicts occurred within Tesla, leading to changes in leadership.

2018: Lawsuit regarding Musk's pay package from Tesla

In 2018, a lawsuit was filed regarding Elon Musk's pay package from Tesla. In January 2024, a Delaware judge ruled that Musk's $55 billion pay package be rescinded.

2018: SEC sues Musk over Tesla tweet

In 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued Elon Musk for a tweet about taking Tesla private, alleging securities fraud. Two days later in 2018, Musk settled with the SEC, and Musk and Tesla were each fined $20 million. Musk was also forced to step down as Tesla chairman for three years.

2019: Musk faces contempt charge over Tesla tweet

In 2019, Elon Musk tweeted that Tesla would build half a million cars that year, leading the SEC to seek contempt charges for violating the 2018 settlement agreement. The SEC and Musk then clarified the agreement details.

January 2020: Tesla Directors Settle SolarCity Lawsuit

In January 2020, Tesla directors settled the lawsuit filed by multiple shareholder groups regarding the purchase of SolarCity, leaving Elon Musk as the sole remaining defendant.

2020: Lawsuit blocked over Tesla stock tweet

In 2020, a judge blocked a lawsuit claiming that a tweet by Elon Musk regarding Tesla's stock price ("too high imo") violated an agreement. FOIA records later revealed the SEC concluded Musk violated the agreement twice by tweeting about Tesla's solar roof production volumes and its stock price.

2021: Musk donates to his own foundation

In 2021, after being challenged to contribute to ending world hunger, Elon Musk instead donated $6 billion to his own foundation, despite a plan showing it could feed 42 million people for a year. The Musk Foundation has been criticized for its 'self-serving' donations.

2022: Investigation into Twitter stock purchase

In 2022, Elon Musk purchased Twitter stock, leading to an investigation by the SEC. In October 2023, the SEC sued Musk for refusing to testify.

2022: Federal Probe Launched into Neuralink Animal Welfare

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

October 2023: SEC sues Musk over Twitter stock investigation testimony refusal

In October 2023, the SEC sued Elon Musk for refusing to testify a third time in an investigation into his 2022 purchase of Twitter stock.

2023: Denial of 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.