Thu Dec 12 12:00:12 UTC 2024: ## Musk Claims Gates Could Go Bankrupt If Tesla Becomes Top Company

**NEW YORK, December 11, 2024** – Elon Musk reignited his feud with Bill Gates, claiming on X (formerly Twitter) that a significant short position Gates allegedly holds on Tesla stock could bankrupt the Microsoft co-founder if Tesla surpasses Apple as the world’s most valuable company.

Musk’s statement, posted on December 10th, follows a previous tweet from 2023 where he warned against shorting Tesla. He alleges Gates made a substantial bet against Tesla’s success, potentially aiming for a $500 million profit from its decline. Musk contends this bet, combined with Tesla reaching a significantly higher market cap, would lead to Gates’ bankruptcy. He further criticized Gates’ hypocrisy, noting Gates’ requests for donations to environmental causes while simultaneously betting against Tesla, a company contributing to the green energy sector.

While Gates praised Tesla’s achievements in a 2021 CNBC interview, he declined to comment on his investment positions in Tesla. Currently, Tesla’s market capitalization stands at approximately $1.251 trillion, considerably less than Apple’s $3.729 trillion. For Tesla to overtake Apple, its value would need to almost double.

Musk’s provocative claim renews a long-standing conflict between the two billionaires, stemming from a reported $1.5 billion loss Gates suffered in 2022 due to his Tesla short position. The recent statement highlights the ongoing tension and the high stakes involved in the volatile world of stock market investments.

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