As the World’s Richest Man Faces Increasing Threats, His Security Grows to Match His Global Influence
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has cultivated an image of a risk-taker, globe-trotter, and free spirit, often seen hanging out with celebrities, world leaders, and tech moguls. But behind this devil-may-care persona, Musk, 53, has transformed his personal security into a sprawling apparatus that mirrors the protection afforded to heads of state. His rise to unparalleled fame and fortune, with a net worth exceeding $240 billion, has drawn more than just admiration—it’s attracted an alarming number of threats to his personal safety, from stalkers to death threats.
As Musk’s prominence has surged, so have the measures he’s taken to shield himself. What started as a handful of bodyguards has mushroomed into a full-fledged, multimillion-dollar security force. Musk is now accompanied by as many as 20 security professionals, including former military personnel and armed guards. His team often researches escape routes in advance and clears rooms before he enters. The scale of his security has expanded so much that it now resembles a mini-Secret Service, with Musk code-named “Voyager” by his team.
The Evolution of Musk’s Security
For years, Musk brushed off the need for protection, often leaving his car keys in his vehicle and walking around without bodyguards. However, by 2014, as Musk’s companies Tesla and SpaceX became major global players, Tesla’s board required him to adopt more rigorous personal security protocols.
This led Musk to hire Gavin de Becker & Associates (GDBA), a premier security firm whose clients include the ultra-wealthy and celebrities like Jeff Bezos and Cher. GDBA’s elite staff began accompanying Musk on his travels, ensuring his safety as his public profile—and the associated risks—grew. By 2016, invoices for his security exceeded $160,000 a month, with costs split between SpaceX, Tesla, and Musk himself.
In response to the mounting threats and the escalating security demands, Musk took matters into his own hands by founding his own private security company, Foundation Security, in 2016. Documents show that Foundation Security operates as a hub for managing his protection, with former GDBA employees overseeing operations. His expanding security presence, however, has come at a steep cost. Tesla alone spent $2.4 million on Musk’s security in 2023, and Musk’s growing need for protection shows no sign of abating.
Rising Threats and Heightened Security
Musk’s security concerns are not without basis. The threats against him have intensified over the years, sometimes with life-threatening consequences. Last November, just before Musk was set to speak at a high-profile Tesla event in Austin, Texas, authorities arrested Paul Overeem, a Florida man, for planning a “mass casualty event” at the factory. Though the event proceeded as scheduled, Tesla’s security team took no chances. Over three dozen Tesla security officials were stationed throughout the venue, ensuring every attendee was pre-screened.
Such threats have become a part of Musk’s life, fueling his growing isolation. In a rare public acknowledgment, Musk spoke at Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting in June, stating that the probability of being targeted by a homicidal maniac increases with fame: “They hear my name a lot — I’m like, ‘OK, I’m on the list.’” His once approachable persona has since given way to one of guarded distance. It’s not unusual for Musk to have bodyguards accompanying him even to the bathroom at X (formerly Twitter), according to a 2023 lawsuit.
The hyper-vigilance surrounding his security isn’t without its missteps. In some instances, Musk has overstated the gravity of the threats against him. He once inaccurately claimed that two people, indicted in unrelated incidents, had carried guns, despite no evidence in court documents to support this.
Security Spending Skyrockets
Tesla’s expenditure on Musk’s security underscores just how seriously the threats against him are taken. In comparison to other tech titans, Musk’s security costs far exceed the norm. Tesla spent $2.4 million on his protection in 2023, while Apple allocated just $820,000 for CEO Tim Cook’s security. Even Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, one of the wealthiest people in the world, spends about $1.6 million on protection each year.
However, the scale of Musk’s protection still pales in comparison to Mark Zuckerberg’s. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, spent a staggering $23.4 million on Zuckerberg’s security in 2023. These figures reflect the growing scrutiny and potential dangers faced by today’s most powerful figures in tech.
High-Risk Incidents
Musk’s security concerns are not limited to mere speculation. Several incidents in recent years have put his life at risk. In 2022, Russian government official Dmitry Rogozin publicly threatened Musk over his role in supplying Ukraine with Starlink satellite internet service during the war with Russia. Musk posted the threat online, following up with a cryptic message: “If I die under mysterious circumstances, it’s been nice knowin ya.”
More recently, threats have hit closer to home. Since Tesla’s Austin factory opened in 2022, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office has responded to at least eight “terroristic threat” incidents, with two directly targeting Musk. One of these threats came from Overeem, who was arrested after making alarming statements on Instagram, including: “If I’m saying I’m gonna kill people then you should take this seriously.”
In January, another individual, Justin McCauley, was arrested near Tesla’s Austin factory after posting threats on X, saying he was “planning to kill all of you.” Both men were charged with making terroristic threats and released on bail.
The Future of Musk’s Security
As Musk continues to play a dominant role in shaping the future of technology, space travel, and social media, the challenges surrounding his security will likely only grow. With a security team that now mirrors that of top government officials, Musk’s ability to navigate public life has become increasingly restricted.
His need for protection speaks to the broader dangers that come with unparalleled wealth, fame, and influence. Musk’s fortified existence is a stark reminder of the costs—both financial and personal—of being a global figure in today’s world.
