Elon Musk sends a ‘Karma’ message to Microsoft founder Bill Gates
Times of India
by TOI TECH DESKFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Elon Musk and Bill Gates, two titans of technology and business, have long been at odds over their differing views and business strategies. The latest flare-up in their rivalry centers on a social media post that linked Tesla short sellers to unethical behavior, which Musk dismissed with the brief but pointed comment, “Karma is real.” This exchange reignited tensions between the two billionaires, whose relationship has historically been strained due to Gates' reported $500 million bet against Tesla stock. Gates admitted in an interview that this position earned him a blunt message from Musk and even a personal text questioning his integrity.
The feud between the two dates back years, with Gates revealing he shorted Tesla stock, betting on its decline, which put him at odds with Musk’s vision for the company. Musk criticized Gates’ philanthropic efforts, particularly regarding climate change, while Gates was holding a significant short position against Tesla—a move Musk deemed morally inconsistent. At one point, when Tesla’s stock surged to over $400 per share, Gates faced losses of nearly $1.5 billion on his bet.
Musk has repeatedly warned that if Tesla continues to grow and outpace expectations, Gates’ short position could lead to significant financial trouble, even for someone as wealthy as the Microsoft co-founder. This dynamic underscores the high-stakes nature of their rivalry, with Musk doubling down on his belief that Tesla is making a profound impact on climate change—a cause Gates supports but, according to Musk, not enough to align with his short position.
This ongoing conflict matters because it highlights the personal stakes involved in business rivalries and how public perception can be influenced by such disputes. It also raises questions about the ethical implications of betting against companies with significant societal impact, particularly those focused on tackling global issues like climate change. The story captures the intense competition between two of the world’s most influential figures while providing insight into their divergent views on business, ethics, and innovation.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/26/2026