Elon Musk, co-founder of Tesla and SpaceX, has once again established himself as the richest man in the world, according to the latest annual billionaire list published by Forbes.
With an estimated fortune of $347.9 billion, Musk tops the list of the wealthiest people on the planet.
The 39th annual edition of the list includes a total of 3,028 billionaires, the highest number recorded by the publication to date.
According to senior editor Chase Peterson-Withorn, the combined wealth of these billionaires has increased by $2 trillion compared to the previous year, reaching an estimated total of $16.1 trillion.
"It's a great time to be a billionaire," declared Peterson-Withorn in an interview with NPR.
More than 100 journalists from around the world collaborated on compiling the list, researching assets that include stocks, private companies, properties, as well as luxury items acquired by these fortunes.
The analysis covers everything from art and yachts to car collections and unique items like dinosaur bones. Additionally, Forbes refers to government records, legal documents, tax havens, and interviews with billionaires, advisors, and competitors.
The United States tops the list of billionaires
The United States remains the country with the highest number of billionaires, with 902 individuals on the list, followed by China and Hong Kong with 516, and India with 205.
The Top 11 billionaires of the 2025 list is led by:
Elon Musk - $347.9 billion (Tesla and SpaceX)
Jeff Bezos - $208.0 billion (Amazon)
Mark Zuckerberg - $201.1 billion (Facebook, Meta)
Larry Ellison - 176.2 billion dollars (Oracle)
Warren Buffett - 165.6 billion dollars (Berkshire Hathaway)
Bernard Arnault and family - $161.7 billion (LVMH)
Larry Page - $130.6 million (Google, Alphabet)
Sergey Brin - $125.2 million (Google, Alphabet)
Steve Ballmer - 114.9 billion dollars (Microsoft)
Amancio Ortega - $114.8 billion (Inditex, Zara)
Bill Gates - $107.4 billion (Microsoft)
Criticism and power
Beyond his position at the top of the list, Musk's involvement in American politics currently keeps him at the center of controversy.
The billionaire is involved in Donald Trump's administration, leading the Department of Government Efficiency, which focuses on reducing public spending. His cuts have drawn criticism from various political sectors and protests in front of Tesla dealerships.
Chase Peterson-Withorn commented on the power of these billionaires: "Many don't have a very good reputation these days, but on the other hand, they are more powerful than ever."
The Forbes list for 2025 showcases a wealth of two trillion dollars more than last year. This highlights that, while the rest of the world faces economic challenges, the great fortunes continue to grow at an accelerated pace.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elon Musk and His Political and Economic Influence
Why is Elon Musk the richest man in the world according to Forbes in 2025?
Elon Musk tops Forbes' billionaire list in 2025 with an estimated fortune of 342 billion dollars, thanks to his influence and success with companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
How has Elon Musk influenced American politics?
Elon Musk has played a crucial role in Donald Trump's re-election campaign by donating 75 million dollars to the "Trump America PAC" and taking on an active role in the government as the director of the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with reducing public spending.
What are the criticisms of Elon Musk regarding his political management?
Criticism of Musk focuses on his excessive influence over government decisions and his approach to reducing government personnel, which has raised concerns about the negative impact on labor rights and the efficiency of public institutions.
What measures has Elon Musk taken in his crusade against public spending?
Elon Musk has launched an attack on organizations such as NED and USAID, seeking to cut their funding and describing them as corrupt and outdated entities, in an effort to reduce government spending deemed unnecessary.
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