Elon Musk Targeted, Neuralink Probe by Anti-Crypto Gary Gensler
With just over a month remaining in his tenure, SEC Chair Gary Gensler has escalated tensions with Elon Musk by launching a renewed investigation into Neuralink, the billionaire's brain-computer interface company.
Musk’s attorney, Alex Spiro, disclosed details of the charges in a public letter shared on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
According to Spiro, the SEC has issued Musk a 48-hour deadline to accept a monetary settlement or face charges on "numerous counts.”
BREAKING🚨 SEC CHAIRMAN GARY GENSLER ATTACKS ELON MUSK BEFORE RESIGNATION
🇺🇸: The SEC staff issued a settlement demand requiring Mr. Musk to agree to a monetary payment or face charges within 48 hours, suggesting this was a directive from higher-ups with the intention to bring… pic.twitter.com/lKnUzLrPvH
— X Market News🚨 (@xMarketNews) December 13, 2024
However, the agency has yet to clarify the specifics of these charges, referencing only a multi-year investigation.
The revived probe into Neuralink comes after lawmakers raised safety concerns in 2023 regarding its brain implant technology.
Spiro criticised the SEC's actions as part of an "endless investigation campaign" against Musk.
Despite the mounting scrutiny, Musk appeared unphased, responding with characteristic defiance.
Oh Gary, how could you do this to me? 🥹 pic.twitter.com/OoooQI77ZS
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 12, 2024
The latest developments signal a growing clash between the regulatory agency and the tech mogul, raising questions about the SEC's motivations as Gensler's term nears its end.
Musk's Brush with SEC
Musk's contentious history with the SEC dates back to a 2018 settlement requiring a $20 million payment following his tweets about taking Tesla private with "funding secured.”
Recently, Musk employed his AI tool, Grok, to generate a satirical illustration of Gensler, portraying him as a snail in a business suit—a nod to the character Gary the Snail from SpongeBob SquarePants.
The depiction underscores Musk's irreverent approach to his ongoing clashes with the regulatory agency.
Asked @Grok to draw a picture of @GaryGensler. Very flattering, I think!
https://t.co/NJnAj1nKIS
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 12, 2024