In a forceful response to growing speculation, Tesla Inc. and CEO Elon Musk have publicly denied recent media reports claiming the company’s board is actively searching for a new chief executive.

The denial comes after The Wall Street Journal reported that Tesla’s board had “quietly initiated” a process to identify a potential successor to Musk — citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. The report sparked widespread discussion among investors, analysts, and media outlets, raising concerns about internal stability at the EV giant.

But late Thursday, both Musk and Tesla issued statements slamming the claims as false, misleading, and unethical.

“The rumor that Tesla’s board is looking to replace Elon is categorically false,” a company spokesperson said. “There is no CEO search. This is a fabrication.”

On his personal X (formerly Twitter) account, Musk responded even more bluntly:

“This is a lie. Tesla is not looking for a new CEO. Whoever is leaking this nonsense is either misinformed or deliberately pushing an agenda.”

“Shameful journalism. This crosses a line,” he added, calling the article a “breach of media ethics.”

WATCH: Musk Responds to “Fake CEO Search” Rumors

(Embed of Musk’s X video post or livestream clip)
In a short video clip shared Thursday night, Musk addressed followers directly, stating:

“If Tesla’s board ever wants to replace me, they’ll say it — not whisper it to reporters. Until then, ignore the noise.”

Tension Between Tesla & Media Escalates

The incident marks the latest episode in Elon Musk’s long-standing tension with traditional media, which he has often accused of bias, sensationalism, and selective reporting. In recent years, Musk has minimized Tesla’s PR operations and opted to speak directly to the public through X, livestreams, and shareholder events.

Some analysts view the media backlash as a strategic deflection from deeper concerns — including Musk’s growing number of external commitments (SpaceX, Neuralink, xAI, X), falling Tesla margins, and legal scrutiny over his compensation.

Others, however, warn that the growing divide between Tesla and traditional media may hinder transparency — especially for retail investors who rely on independent reporting.

No Confirmation, But Lingering Questions

While Musk’s response was firm, the original WSJ report has not been retracted, and the outlet stands by its sources. Neither Tesla nor Musk has addressed whether the board has discussed long-term succession planning, a standard practice for most public companies — particularly those so closely tied to one individual.

Corporate governance experts note that such discussions, even if informal, would not be unusual.

“Succession planning doesn’t mean a CEO is being pushed out,” said Angela Meier, a board advisor and governance consultant. “It’s about managing risk. But Musk’s strong denial suggests internal sensitivity — and possibly deeper board tensions.”

What’s Next?

For now, Musk remains firmly at Tesla’s helm, and the board has made no public moves to suggest otherwise. Still, the episode has reignited debate about Tesla’s long-term leadership structure — and how much of its future depends on one man.

As for Musk, his message remains clear:

“I’m not going anywhere. And if the board ever wants a change, they can say it to my face — not through anonymous leaks.”