In a power play that underscores Tesla’s precarious dependence on his whims, Elon Musk has demanded a hefty stake increase, threatening to take his AI and robotics expertise elsewhere if denied. During a fiery Monday monologue on his social media platform, X, the self-proclaimed Technoking declared, “I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in A.I. & robotics without having ~25% voting control.” This translates to an $82 billion ask, conveniently recouping his Twitter blunder and granting him enough sway to steer the company’s future, but not absolute dominion.

His rationale? A 25% stake safeguards Tesla from “takeovers by dubious interests” and ensures his vision for the company’s AI trajectory remains unchallenged. This demand comes after he significantly diluted his Tesla holdings to finance the Twitter acquisition, a move widely acknowledged as a misstep. Now, he seeks to replenish his coffers and tighten his grip on the very company whose success thrust him into the billionaire stratosphere.

However, Tesla’s board remains unmoved, opting to wait for a Delaware court’s verdict on a shareholder lawsuit challenging Musk’s earlier compensation package. This package, instrumental in making him the world’s richest man, is now under legal scrutiny, adding an unwelcome layer of complexity to his latest gambit.

Musk’s ultimatum, while audacious, isn’t entirely empty. He possesses proven prowess in the AI arena, having already launched X.AI, a separate AI venture, and spearheading Tesla’s ambitious Optimus robot project. His departure would undoubtedly deal a blow to Tesla’s AI ambitions, leaving a void potentially difficult to fill.

Reactions to his demand are predictably polarized. Some New Yorkers, ever the pragmatists, echo the sentiment, “He earned the money,” viewing it as a shrewd negotiation tactic. Others, however, remain unmoved, pointing to his own stock-dropping decisions as justification for the board’s cautious stance. One user aptly retorted, “They didn’t make you sell your shares. Why should the board do anything to rectify this for you?”

As the drama unfolds, one thing remains clear: Tesla’s future, intricately woven with Musk’s mercurial personality, teeters on the precipice of a pivotal decision. Whether the board caves to his demands or stands firm remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the saga of Elon Musk and Tesla is far from over.