Elon Musk may be known as one of the wealthiest people on the planet, but his mother, Maye Musk, believes that label doesn’t do him justice. In a recent interview, Maye criticized the media’s obsession with Elon’s net worth, calling the term “wealthy” both “limiting” and “degrading.” According to her, focusing only on his fortune overshadows the intelligence and work ethic that truly define her son.
Maye described Elon not just as a billionaire, but as “the world’s genius,” someone who has transformed multiple industries through raw intellect and relentless innovation. From Tesla’s electric revolution to SpaceX’s mission to Mars, she emphasized that Elon’s accomplishments stem from vision, not money. “He’s not a man of wealth—he’s a man of ideas,” she said.
Her comments sparked conversation on social media, with supporters agreeing that Elon’s contributions to science, sustainability, and technology are more important than his place on the Forbes list. Critics, however, argue that his power and influence still deserve scrutiny, regardless of his intellectual achievements.
Maye’s perspective is shaped by decades of witnessing Elon’s journey—from a curious boy reading encyclopedias in South Africa to a tech leader changing the world. She recalls how he taught himself computer programming at age 10 and took massive personal risks to build companies like Tesla and SpaceX from scratch.
This isn’t the first time Maye has spoken out in defense of her son, but her remarks come at a time when public figures are increasingly judged by their financial status rather than their deeper contributions. For her, Elon’s genius—not his bank account—should be the headline.
In a world fixated on wealth and celebrity, Maye Musk’s words are a powerful reminder that success is about more than just money. Behind the billionaire title is a man of vision, sacrifice, and brilliance—a modern-day genius in the eyes of his mother.