Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim and South African tech mogul Elon Musk, once seen as potential partners in the global telecom space, have officially gone their separate ways — and not in the quiet, polite way you’d expect from two of the world’s richest men. What started as a potential $7 billion deal with Musk’s Starlink quickly escalated into a full-blown $22 billion investment pullout by Slim’s América Móvil, all reportedly triggered by a single tweet from Musk that questioned Slim’s business ties.

This wasn’t just any business disagreement. The fallout came fast — within five minutes of Musk’s post, Slim canceled the initial order. An hour later, the entire partnership was gone. It’s not often you see two billionaires part ways in under 60 minutes, and even less often when it happens over a social media post.

So what exactly went down between Carlos Slim and Elon Musk? And why did a tweet lead to such a massive financial shift? Let’s dive into the story that’s been making waves across the tech and business world.

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Table of Contents

• Carlos Slim: A Business Titan of Mexican Roots
• Elon Musk: The Tech Visionary Behind SpaceX and Tesla
• The Breakup: How One Tweet Ended a $22 Billion Deal
• Timeline of Events: From Deal to Disconnection
• What This Means for the Telecom Industry
• Frequently Asked Questions

Carlos Slim: A Business Titan of Mexican Roots

Carlos Slim Helú is one of the richest men in the world, with a net worth that has consistently placed him near the top of Forbes’ Billionaires List. Born on January 28, 1940, in Mexico City, Slim is a businessman, investor, and philanthropist who built his empire through strategic investments and a deep understanding of market dynamics.

His company, América Móvil, is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Latin America, with operations across the continent and a strong presence in the U.S. and Europe. Slim’s investment strategy has always leaned toward long-term gains, and his influence in the telecom world is hard to overstate.

Elon Musk: The Tech Visionary Behind SpaceX and Tesla

Elon Musk, born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, has become one of the most recognizable names in global business and innovation. Known for founding companies like Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and X (formerly Twitter), Musk has built a reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur who’s not afraid to take risks or make bold claims.

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Starlink, the satellite internet service under SpaceX, is one of his most ambitious projects — aiming to provide high-speed internet to even the most remote parts of the world. It was this venture that initially brought him into contact with Carlos Slim, as América Móvil considered investing in the satellite-based service.

The Breakup: How One Tweet Ended a $22 Billion Deal

It all started when Elon Musk took to his social media platform, X, to make a cryptic and controversial post. He suggested that Carlos Slim might have ties to criminal groups — a claim that, if untrue, could be seen as defamatory. Whether this was a joke, a misunderstanding, or a deliberate jab, it didn’t sit well with Slim.

Within five minutes, América Móvil canceled a $7 billion Starlink order. An hour later, the full $22 billion investment plan was pulled. This was not just a disagreement — it was a complete severing of business ties between two global giants.

While neither party has officially confirmed the full extent of the fallout, insiders say that Slim took the comments seriously enough to walk away from what could have been a major partnership. The speed and scale of the decision speak volumes about how sensitive business relationships can be, especially when they involve billionaires with egos and reputations to protect.

Timeline of Events: From Deal to Disconnection

Here’s how the timeline unfolded, based on available reports and insider accounts:

1. Musk’s Post: Elon Musk tweets a cryptic message suggesting Carlos Slim has ties to criminal groups.
2. Initial Reaction: Within five minutes, América Móvil cancels a $7 billion Starlink equipment order.
3. Full Exit: About an hour later, Slim’s company pulls the full $22 billion investment plan from Starlink.
4. Public Silence: Neither party publicly comments beyond the initial reports, but the move is seen as a major shift in telecom strategy.

While it’s unclear if Musk intended to provoke Slim or if this was just another one of his infamous “out there” posts, the consequences were very real. Slim, known for his calculated moves, acted swiftly and decisively, signaling that he wasn’t willing to tolerate even the suggestion of reputational damage.

What This Means for the Telecom Industry

The fallout between Carlos Slim and Elon Musk has broader implications for the telecom industry. América Móvil’s decision to invest $22 billion in its own infrastructure rather than rely on Starlink signals a growing trend: major players are choosing to build their own systems rather than depend on third-party tech, especially when relationships get rocky.

This move could lead to more companies rethinking their reliance on satellite internet services. It also shows that even billion-dollar deals can unravel quickly when trust is damaged. Slim’s decision may also encourage other telecom giants to double down on their own networks, creating a more decentralized and competitive market.

For Starlink, this loss is significant. América Móvil was seen as a potential major client in Latin America, a region where Starlink has been trying to gain traction. Losing such a high-profile partner could slow their expansion plans in the region, at least temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Carlos Slim cut ties with Elon Musk?

Carlos Slim reportedly severed ties with Elon Musk after a controversial tweet from Musk suggested Slim might have connections to criminal groups. Within minutes, América Móvil canceled a $7 billion Starlink deal, and within an hour, the full $22 billion investment was pulled.

How much money was involved in the Carlos Slim-Elon Musk deal?

América Móvil, owned by Carlos Slim, had initially planned to invest $22 billion in Elon Musk’s Starlink. This included a $7 billion equipment order, both of which were canceled within an hour of Musk’s controversial tweet.

What is the impact of this breakup on the telecom industry?

The fallout shows that even major partnerships can dissolve quickly over trust issues. América Móvil’s decision to invest in its own infrastructure rather than rely on Starlink could influence other telecom companies to follow suit, creating a more competitive and self-reliant market.

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