NEW YORK (AP) — Elon Musk has been presented with a monumental opportunity to become the first trillionaire in history. A shareholder vote on Thursday gave Musk the potential for stock worth $1 trillion, contingent on hitting specified performance targets over the next decade.

The decision followed intense discussions surrounding Musk's management record at Tesla and whether any individual deserved such an unprecedented compensation package. The shareholder approval came in at over 75%, signaling continued investor confidence in Musk’s leadership despite recent struggles at Tesla, marked by declining sales and profits.

Fantastic group of shareholders, Musk remarked after the results of the vote were confirmed, urging them to retain their Tesla stock.

This vote represents a significant endorsement of Musk, especially as Tesla has experienced a notable drop in sales, including a steep 50% decrease in Germany. Many consumers have turned away from Tesla amid Musk's increased political involvement and controversial statements.

The proposed pay package involves several ambitious objectives for Musk, including raising Tesla's market capitalization nearly sixfold and delivering 20 million electric vehicles within ten years, more than double the total produced since the company's inception. Additionally, Musk must introduce over one million humanoid robots, which he envisions as a robot army for everyday tasks.

Despite opposition from major investors and organizational boards that critiqued the compensation scheme, the approval showcases Musk's enduring support among Tesla shareholders. Critics of the proposal questioned whether the board was too loyal to Musk and contended that such a financial incentive could undermine accountability.

Supporters argue that incentivizing Musk is vital for ensuring he remains committed to Tesla's innovative trajectory, particularly as the company seeks to establish dominance in AI and autonomous driving.

Following the vote, Tesla shares showed a positive response, rising 1.5% after hours to $447.27. Musk aimed to bolster his stake in the company with this new package, increasing it to nearly 30% while expressing concerns about the future direction of Tesla and its “robot army.”