Elon Musk has never been one to hold back, especially when it comes to his critics, and his latest salvo against Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is no exception. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Musk reignited their long-standing feud by making a pointed remark about Gates’ alleged short position against Tesla. In a tweet that sent shockwaves through the financial and tech communities, Musk suggested that if Tesla surpasses Apple to become the world’s most valuable company, Gates could find himself on the brink of financial ruin.
“If Tesla does become the world’s most valuable company by far, that short position will bankrupt even Bill Gates,” Musk wrote, referencing Gates’ previous bet against Tesla’s success. This is a highly publicized jab at Gates, whose actions on Wall Street have provided ample fodder for Musk’s criticisms.
A Risky Bet Against Tesla’s Success
At the heart of the spat is Gates’ short position on Tesla, a high-risk financial strategy where an investor borrows shares they don’t own, sells them on the market, and hopes to repurchase them later at a lower price. In Gates’ case, this bet was made when Tesla was struggling to prove itself as a viable company, particularly during its earlier years. Musk has long accused Gates of betting on Tesla’s failure when the company was at one of its lowest points.
Musk has been vocal in denouncing Gates for this strategy, calling it the highest return only if Tesla were to go bankrupt. The billionaire CEO also blasted Gates for hypocrisy, accusing him of undermining the very company that is central to his environmental philanthropy. Musk pointed out that Gates, a self-proclaimed environmentalist, was placing a massive bet on Tesla’s failure while simultaneously advocating for green energy solutions.
“Taking out a short position against Tesla, as Gates did, results in the highest return only if a company goes bankrupt,” Musk wrote in 2022. “The lack of self-awareness and hypocrisy of Gates is astounding,” he added, claiming that Gates’ actions showed a total disregard for the future of electric vehicles and the climate movement.
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The Financial Impact of Tesla’s Success
Musk’s most recent comment is linked to Tesla’s impressive financial performance this year. With a surge of nearly 57% in its stock price, Tesla has captured the attention of investors and market analysts alike. The company’s stock has reached a record high of $400, bolstered by optimism following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 elections and Musk’s increasingly close relationship with Trump’s administration. The rally was further fueled by Goldman Sachs raising its price target for Tesla’s stock, cementing the company’s position as one of the most talked-about firms in the market.
While Tesla has made impressive strides, it still lags behind Apple in market capitalization. Musk’s comment, however, hints at a possible future where Tesla surpasses Apple to become the world’s most valuable company. If that happens, it could have devastating consequences for Gates’ short position, which Musk believes could lead to a significant financial loss for the Microsoft co-founder.
For Musk, Tesla’s ascension to the top is not just about the company’s success—it’s about redemption. Musk has been open about the fact that Tesla faced significant challenges in its early years, and the idea that Gates bet against the company during that vulnerable period is a point of contention. Musk has often claimed that Gates’ actions were an attack on Tesla’s survival and, by extension, a challenge to the future of clean energy.
Gates’ Reaction and the Ongoing Feud
In response to Musk’s comments, Gates has largely remained tight-lipped, although he did discuss his short position in a 2021 interview. While Gates acknowledged his bet against Tesla, he refrained from discussing the matter in depth, instead offering praise for Musk’s achievements with the company. “What Elon’s done with Tesla is fantastic,” Gates said, attempting to soften the tension between the two tech moguls.
However, for Musk, the issue is far from over. The feud has evolved into a public battle of ideologies, with Musk positioning himself as a champion of the future, advocating for electric vehicles and green energy solutions. Gates, on the other hand, has focused much of his efforts on philanthropy and global health, but his financial decisions continue to leave Musk questioning his true commitments.
The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
As the rivalry between Musk and Gates escalates, the stakes are higher than ever. The ongoing battle for supremacy between Tesla and other tech giants like Apple reflects a larger shift in the tech landscape. If Tesla does indeed surpass Apple in market value, it would be a symbolic victory not just for Musk, but for the entire electric vehicle and clean energy movement.
For Gates, however, the outcome is more personal. A massive loss on his short position could serve as a bitter reminder of the risks he took in betting against Musk’s vision. And for Musk, seeing his rival fall could provide a sense of vindication for the years of criticism and skepticism he faced from figures like Gates.
Ultimately, this feud is not just about stock prices or financial strategies—it is about ideologies, legacies, and the future of the tech world. As the world watches, Musk and Gates will continue their battle, each determined to prove that they were right all along. But for Musk, the ultimate victory would not just be financial—it would be the triumph of his vision for a sustainable, electrified future.
In the ever-evolving world of tech, Musk and Gates stand at opposite ends of a growing ideological divide. Musk’s remarks about Gates’ short position against Tesla serve as a stark reminder of the complex relationship between wealth, influence, and the fight for control of the future. As Tesla continues its rise, the stakes for both billionaires are higher than ever, with the potential for Musk to emerge victorious—not just financially, but ideologically.