Tesla’s board chair, Robyn Denholm, refused to address CEO Elon Musk’s controversial political moves and leadership style during Monday’s appearance at a financial services conference in Melbourne, Australia.
According to CleanTechnica, when pressed on questions about Musk’s political entanglements—including his support for far-right causes and criticism of diversity policies—Denholm maintained a strict policy of silence.
Musk, who has sparked backlash by donating heavily to former President Donald Trump’s election campaign and openly criticizing the governments of Germany, Britain, and Canada, continues to attract controversy amid declining Tesla sales.
Denholm’s reluctance to publicly comment on Musk’s divisive political actions and management decisions has drawn additional scrutiny. Critics point to her substantial earnings as Tesla’s board chair, which could potentially compromise her independence.
In a recent judgment by the Delaware Supreme Court, Judge Kathaleen McCormick remarked that standard market-level director pay generally does not compromise independence, but excessive compensation can. She further noted that Denholm receives most of her personal wealth through her role at Tesla, which raises serious questions about her objectivity and autonomy.
