U.S. SEC Chair Gary Gensler has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Elon Musk to settle an investigation into his neurotechnology company, Neuralink, just a month before stepping down from his position on January 20. This new probe adds to the growing list of challenges for Musk, known for his bold ventures and controversial statements.
Gary Gensler’s tenure at the SEC is coming to an end, but not before launching a fresh investigation into Musk’s brain-computer interface company, Neuralink. This move comes after years of scrutiny over Musk’s claims regarding the safety of Neuralink’s brain implants.
Elon Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, has fired back at Gensler, accusing the SEC of an “endless investigation campaign” targeting the billionaire entrepreneur. In a letter shared on X, Musk responded humorously, hinting at his long-running feud with the regulatory body.
The SEC has given Musk a 48-hour deadline to accept a settlement or face charges “on numerous counts.” However, the agency has not disclosed the exact nature of these charges, leaving Musk and his legal team in the dark about what might be coming next.
The SEC has also reopened its investigation into Neuralink’s brain implant technology, following concerns raised by lawmakers about the safety of Musk’s claims. This marks the second time the agency has looked into Neuralink’s operations, fueling skepticism about Musk’s ambitious tech project.
Musk’s response to Gensler’s latest investigation included a creative jab—the SEC chair was depicted as a snail in a business suit, a playful nod to the character Gary from SpongeBob SquarePants. This quirky exchange highlights Musk’s enduring conflict with regulatory oversight.
As Gensler’s departure from the SEC approaches, the crypto community celebrates the potential shift in regulatory approach under incoming chair Paul Atkins. Lawyers and experts hope Atkins will bring a more balanced and crypto-friendly approach, reducing the harsh tactics that Gensler was known for.
In the midst of these regulatory challenges, Elon Musk has been focusing on his other initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.). His recent proposal targets U.S. inflation, emphasizing the need to cut federal spending to foster economic stability.