The question is no longer if Elon Musk will become the world’s first trillionaire, but when. The visionary entrepreneur took a giant leap toward that title this week, as his net worth surged past the $500 billion mark for the first time in history. This milestone firmly establishes him in a financial category of one, far surpassing any other individual on the planet.
This incredible wealth accumulation is powered by the relentless growth of Tesla, the electric vehicle company Musk has helmed into a global powerhouse. With a market capitalization exceeding $1.5 trillion, the value of Musk’s 12% stake has soared. The stock is up 13% in 2025 alone, a year that started with uncertainty but has since transformed into a powerful bull run for the company.
Investor optimism has been fueled by tangible results. On Thursday, Tesla reported quarterly vehicle deliveries of 497,099, a figure that blew past expectations. This performance demonstrated the brand’s enduring appeal and its ability to capitalize on incentives, such as an expiring US tax credit that prompted a surge in sales during the July-September period.
Musk’s financial footing is further strengthened by his other major enterprises. SpaceX, his private aerospace manufacturer, is reportedly targeting a massive $400 billion valuation. Meanwhile, his AI venture, xAI, is already valued at an impressive $75 billion. Together, these companies represent a formidable portfolio geared entirely toward future-tech dominance.
After briefly being overtaken by Oracle’s Larry Ellison on some wealth indexes in September, Musk has now reclaimed his throne with an insurmountable lead. With a proposed $1 trillion compensation plan on the table at Tesla, designed to drive the company’s next phase of growth in AI and robotics, Musk’s journey to a 13-figure net worth seems more plausible than ever.