Elon Musk breaks $800 billion mark after SpaceX-xAI merger

Elon Musk surpasses $800 billion following SpaceX-xAI deal

Elon Musk has officially entered uncharted territory. This week, the tech mogul became the first person in history to reach a net worth of $800 billion, following the acquisition of his AI and social media company xAI by SpaceX. Forbes estimates that the merger, which values the combined entity at a staggering $1.25 trillion, added roughly $84 billion to Musk’s fortune, bringing it to $852 billion.

SpaceX emerges as Musk’s crown jewel

Before the merger, Musk already held major stakes in both SpaceX and xAI. The acquisition, however, has cemented SpaceX as the centerpiece of his fortune. Analysts say it now dwarfs his Tesla holdings, making the space exploration company the single most valuable part of Musk’s empire.

Musk’s financial dominance is now unparalleled, surpassing historical and contemporary wealth icons such as John D. Rockefeller, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates. Beyond SpaceX, he continues to hold significant Tesla stock and a record-breaking compensation package approved last November, which could deliver up to $1 trillion if Tesla achieves its ambitious “Mars shot” objectives over the next decade.

A year of rapid wealth milestones

This merger marks Musk’s second major company consolidation in less than a year. In March, he merged xAI with social media platform X (formerly Twitter), valuing xAI at $80 billion and X at $33 billionroughly matching what he paid for Twitter in 2022.

Musk’s wealth trajectory in recent years has been meteoric. In October 2025, he became the first person ever to hit $500 billion, driven by Tesla’s stock surge following his exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). By December, private investors valued SpaceX at $800 billion, boosting Musk’s net worth past $600 billion. Just four days later, a Delaware Supreme Court decision restored his Tesla stock options, lifting him above $700 billion.

Public fascination and scrutiny

Musk’s wealth milestones have captured global attention, sparking both admiration and criticism. Social media lit up with reactions ranging from memes celebrating his fortune to commentary on the concentration of wealth in the hands of a single individual. Economists warn that such extreme wealth accumulation, while historic, highlights broader societal issues around income inequality and corporate influence in technology and space exploration.

What’s next for the world’s richest man

With SpaceX now at the core of his fortune, Musk’s gaze remains fixed on the starsliterally. The combined company positions him to advance his ambitious space and AI agendas, from colonising Mars to integrating AI-driven platforms with social media.

While $800 billion is a record-setting number, Musk’s history suggests that it may be just another step in a decade defined by bold deals, high-stakes ventures, and unprecedented wealth creation.

For now, the world watches as the man behind Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI continues to redefine the limits of both technology and personal fortune.