Tesla board member Kimbal Musk weighs in on his brother’s pay package and the idea of Tesla investing in xAI

Key Takeaways:

• Kimbal Musk, Elon’s younger brother, sits on Tesla’s board.
• He believes Elon “deserves to be paid.”
• Kimbal Musk views Tesla as fundamentally an AI-driven company.
• The article explores the concept of Tesla investing in xAI.
• Insider published the original piece on August 22, 2025.

Introduction

Kimbal Musk, a Tesla board member and younger brother of CEO Elon Musk, recently shared his thoughts on two critical issues shaping the electric-car maker’s future: his brother’s pay package and Tesla’s relationship with artificial intelligence. The remarks, published by Insider, highlight Kimbal’s belief that Elon Musk “deserves to be paid” for his leadership.

Kimbal Musk’s Role

As a member of Tesla’s board, Kimbal has firsthand knowledge of the company’s internal deliberations—particularly around major strategic and financial decisions. His insights carry added weight, given his direct involvement in overseeing the automaker’s direction and performance.

Tesla as an AI Company

Kimbal Musk went on to emphasize that Tesla operates not just as an electric vehicle manufacturer but as an AI-focused organization. By labeling Tesla an AI company, he underscored the sophisticated software and machine-learning capabilities that power Tesla’s self-driving and energy solutions.

Potential Investment in xAI

Another subject Kimbal Musk addressed was the idea of Tesla investing in xAI. While official details remain sparse, the mention of xAI signals Tesla’s potential interest in expanding the scope of its AI initiatives. This could further strengthen the company’s position in cutting-edge technology domains.

Looking Ahead

Kimbal Musk’s statements shed light on Tesla’s future trajectory and reaffirm the role of AI in shaping it. Whether Tesla formally invests in xAI or merely continues to develop its existing AI programs, the company appears poised to solidify its identity as a tech-driven enterprise.

By directing attention to both compensation and technological innovation, Kimbal Musk outlines a vision of Tesla that values the CEO’s influence and maintains a commitment to advanced research. Ultimately, these remarks highlight the importance of leadership and innovation in navigating the evolving world of electric mobility and artificial intelligence—and Tesla’s quest to stay at the forefront.