Judge approves Musk’s $1.5M SEC settlement despite reservations

The SEC lawsuit, filed in early 2025 just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration, centered on Musk’s delayed public notification regarding his Twitter investment. Regulators argued this late disclosure ultimately netted the billionaire a $150 million windfall. Under the terms of the May settlement, a trust established in Musk’s name will cover the penalty, allowing him to resolve the litigation without admitting any wrongdoing.

Sooknanan previously expressed concern over whether Musk might be receiving preferential treatment from the Trump administration, given his substantial financial backing of the president's 2024 campaign. Despite these suspicions, the judge concluded her authority was restricted to determining whether the consent judgment met baseline requirements of fairness. She noted that while the agreement felt inadequate, it did not cross the threshold of making a mockery of judicial power.