Elon Musk
American businessman
Businessman known for his leadership of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). Since 2025, he has been a senior advisor to United States president Donald Trump and the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Full Self-Driving on all Teslas by 2020
Musk stated in 2016 that Teslas would be able to drive cross-country with no human input by the end of 2017. As of 2025, this promise remains unfulfilled.
Promise broken
Send humans to Mars by 2024
Musk claimed SpaceX would send humans to Mars by 2024 as part of the Starship project.
Promise broken
Create underground Hyperloop tunnel in Los Angeles
Musk promised to build a high-speed underground transit tunnel in LA with autonomous pods. The result was a slower Tesla loop.
Promise broken
Power Puerto Rico with Tesla solar + batteries
After Hurricane Maria, Musk offered to rebuild Puerto Rico’s power grid using Tesla solar panels and Powerwalls.
Cancelled
Buy Twitter to promote free speech
Musk promised Twitter would be a free speech haven after acquisition. Critics argue the platform remains controversial and policies inconsistent.
Cancelled
Double Starlink internet speeds by end of 2021
Musk claimed that Starlink would double its internet speeds and cover “most of Earth” by end-2021. While coverage grew, promised speed gains and full global reach did not materialize.
Promise broken
Neuralink human trials within six months (2019)
In late 2019 Musk said Neuralink would begin human trials “within six months”. First human implant occurred in January 2024.
Cancelled
Neuralink “Blindsight” superhuman vision
Musk has said Neuralink will enable human “superpowers” like infrared vision. Animal tests in monkeys showed early results.
In the works
Free emergency service via Starlink
Musk promised that Starlink will offer free emergency access to mobile phones in distress zones worldwide, subject to government approval.
Cancelled
Build high-speed city tunnels (Hyperloop/Boring Company)
Musk said Boring Company tunnels in cities would allow cars at 200 km/h and build one mile per week. Only small test tunnels have been built.
Promise broken