Elon Musk now travels with 20 bodyguards who refer to him by the code name 'Voyager', reports say
That's the code name Elon Musk's security team uses to refer to him, The New York Times reported as part of an investigation into the Tesla CEO's protective services.
And according to the outlet, “Voyager” doesn't go far without his bodyguard, who is flanked by about 20 security personnel, some armed — plus a medical professional — wherever he goes, according to the outlet.
In many ways, the deep bench of security personnel masks makes sense. With a fortune of more than $250 billion, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index, he's the world's richest man, and that stratosphere of wealth brings some very real risks to the equation.
But Musk wasn't always so wealthy, and the Times reported that he preferred to roam without his round-the-clock personal platoon. But by 2014, Musk had reportedly upgraded a rotating circle of security personnel to carry out his work, assessing threats and researching those deemed “unsuitable followers.”
Those costs can total six figures a month, the NYT reports, with bills once reaching more than $163,000 in January 2016. And Musk has reportedly stepped up his security measures as his wealth, status and security risks have increased.
He did not shy away from talking about security concerns or threats made against him. At Tesla's annual shareholder meeting in June, Musk said that “two homicidal maniacs” had threatened to kill him in recent months.
He has also taken measures to increase his security.
In 2022, Business Insider revealed that Musk had secretly bought a house after his previous address became public knowledge. A neighbor had earlier told BI that the billionaire's house has 24/7 security. Musk also tried to take down an X, formerly Twitter, account that tracked his private jets several times.
Things are “getting a little crazy these days,” Musk said at a recent Tesla shareholder meeting, apparently raising his security before continuing.
A Tesla SEC filing revealed that Musk's security company billed the company $2.4 million in 2023 and another $500,000 through February 2024, representing just a fraction of Musk's total security expenses.
And that security follows him everywhere – even to the bathroom. Musk's father, Errol, took notice, saying he feared for his son's safety “even though he has about 100 security guards around him.” Musk even increased security for Errol's South African home, equipping it with a camera system, electrified fences and constant surveillance by guards, Errol said.
Musk isn't the only tech tycoon doubling down on security spending. According to an SEC filing, Mark Zuckerberg's total compensation of $24 million from Meta in 2023 “consists almost entirely of personal security-related expenses” at his residence and during personal travel.
Apple spent more than other companies spent more $820,309 CEO Tim Cook's personal security in 2023 and more $1,621,468 Personal travel expenses.
Tesla has beefed up security after its former chief financial officer, Zachary KirkhornBusiness Insider received a death threat via email claiming $300,000 in Bitcoin.
Between 2022 and 2023, there are at least five more 911s made from Tesla's headquarters, which law enforcement classified as “terrorist threats,” BI reported.
Former and current employees previously told BI that workers at factories in both Nevada and Texas must check badges at two separate points: on the shuttle (or at the gate for those who go to work) and once inside the building.