Why did Elon Musk finally agree to go to Davos?

I must admit, when I saw this news, I had to read it twice. Elon Musk at the World Economic Forum in Davos? The man who never missed an opportunity to criticize this event and everything it represents?

And yet, it’s official: the Tesla boss will indeed participate in the January 2026 summit, alongside Larry Fink of BlackRock. After a decade of systematic refusals and harsh criticism, what could have possibly pushed Musk to take the plunge?

By the way, if you ever consider making the trip to Davos in a Tesla Model S, it’s totally doable, but let’s get back to our topic: this unexpected turnaround deserves our attention.

The announcement that surprised everyone

The news came out of nowhere: Elon Musk is now on the official WEF program, with a joint session with Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock, scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

A last-minute addition that sparked a lot of reactions, especially when we remember the unflattering terms he used in the past to describe the forum: “elitist,” “boring,” or even an “unelected global authority.”

The timing is also strategic: his intervention is scheduled right after Donald Trump’s speech. A coincidence? I highly doubt it.

This historic first participation has sparked mixed reactions within the Tesla community and among economic observers. Some see it as a betrayal of his principles, others as a brilliant strategic move.

From 2015 to 2025: Ten Years of Boycott and Criticism

Declined Invitations

According to WEF organizers, the last official invitation was in 2015. Musk had politely declined it. In 2024, a new invitation, a new refusal.

A voluntary boycott that spanned an entire decade, while other tech leaders regularly participate without batting an eye.

Scathing Public Criticism

On Twitter (now X), Musk never minced words about Davos. He called the World Economic Forum an “unelected global authority”, denouncing what he perceived as an assembly of elites disconnected from reality.

These public criticisms fit perfectly with his anti-establishment communication, which attracted a significant portion of his fan base and investors.

The contrast is striking when comparing this stance to that of other tech CEOs, who consider Davos an unmissable event on the global economic calendar.

Reasons for a Strategic Rapprochement

A Change in Stance from Both Sides

Interestingly: in 2025, organizers stated that Musk was “now welcome.” What changed on the WEF’s side?

Musk’s growing political influence likely plays a big part. His involvement in DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) under the Trump administration, even if brief, demonstrated that he was no longer just an iconoclastic entrepreneur, but a leading political player.

His recent withdrawal from this role doesn’t change the fact: he proved he could directly influence government policies.

Pragmatism Before Ideology

In my opinion, this turnaround perfectly illustrates the difference between public communication and economic diplomacy. With Elon Musk, you always have to distinguish between Twitter communication and real strategy – his tweets don’t necessarily reflect his business decisions.

I think this is a strategic calculation rather than an ideological reconciliation. Participating in Davos means having the opportunity to engage in dialogue directly with the most influential economic and political decision-makers on the planet.

For Tesla, the stakes are manifold: European regulations on electric and autonomous vehicles, trade agreements, access to new markets. Not to mention Musk’s complete ecosystem: SpaceX, xAI, Starlink…

Beyond Tesla: The Real Stakes of This Participation

Because that’s where it gets interesting: this participation involves stakes that go beyond the automotive industry. The transformation of Tesla into an economic giant has given Musk considerable diplomatic weight.

Starlink is now deployed in geopolitically ultra-sensitive areas, from Ukraine to the Pacific Islands. Every decision concerning this network has major diplomatic implications.

Grok, the AI developed by xAI, presents potential applications for governments, particularly the American one. We’re talking about artificial intelligence with considerable security and strategic ramifications.

Musk is no longer simply a disruptive entrepreneur. He has become an essential geopolitical player that governments and international institutions can no longer ignore.

The real question now: what will he say during this session with Larry Fink? Will he adopt a conciliatory tone or remain true to his anti-establishment rhetoric?

What is certain is that this turnaround marks an evolution in Musk’s strategy. According to geopolitical sources, this type of participation in international forums becomes inevitable for economic players of such magnitude.

For my part, I find it fascinating to see how Musk navigates between his provocative public statements and his ultra-pragmatic strategic decisions. This participation in Davos is the perfect illustration of that.

Do you think this participation marks a turning point in Musk’s and Tesla’s trajectory? Is it a sign of normalization, or simply a temporary tactical maneuver? I’d love to hear your opinion on the matter.