Elon Musk has recently become the richest person ever, with a net worth of $334.3 billion. This achievement is a result of Tesla's stock surging by 40% since the US presidential election.
Investors have shown increased confidence in the company due to expectations of pro-business policies from President-elect Donald Trump. Tesla shares reached their highest value in over three years, contributing an additional $7 billion to Musk's wealth. Musk's fortune is primarily derived from his 13% stake in Tesla, valued at around $145 billion, and a pending 9% equity award. His endorsement of Trump and significant campaign contribution have further boosted investor optimism.
Musk has also been appointed as the chair of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), working alongside biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Analysts predict that Tesla's Full Self-Driving program, which has faced regulatory challenges in the past, will benefit from the expected deregulation efforts of the new administration.