Elon Musk has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to remain as CEO of Tesla for the next five years, addressing speculation about his future with the company. Speaking at Bloomberg’s Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, Musk responded unequivocally when asked if he saw himself leading Tesla in five years: “Yes, there is absolutely no doubt about that”. This statement comes amid investor concerns over his growing involvement in politics and other ventures, which some feared might distract from his leadership at Tesla.

Tesla’s stock has faced volatility this year, dropping over 12% as investors questioned Musk’s focus, particularly after his advisory role with former President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency. Despite these distractions, Musk’s announcement had an immediate positive effect, with Tesla shares rising about 1% following his remarks. Musk emphasized that his desire to remain CEO is not financially motivated, but rather about maintaining “sufficient voting control” to safeguard Tesla’s direction and shield it from activist investors.

The billionaire also addressed the backlash stemming from his political activities, which have led to protests and even attacks on Tesla showrooms and vehicles in several states. Musk acknowledged taking the criticism personally, distinguishing between legitimate political opposition and violent acts, which he condemned. He further revealed plans to significantly reduce his political spending, having already contributed substantial sums to recent campaigns, and stated he had “done enough” in that arena.

Beyond Tesla, Musk continues to oversee other major enterprises, including SpaceX, Starlink, Neuralink, and the social media platform X. He hinted that Starlink could eventually become a standalone public company, reflecting his broader ambitions. Despite the pressures and controversies, Musk’s commitment signals his intent to steer Tesla through a period of intense scrutiny and rapid technological advancement.