Tesla(US:TSLA) Jin Rong Jie·2026-01-17 00:17Core Viewpoint - Tesla CEO Elon Musk's legal team challenges the constitutionality of the SEC's requirement for investors to disclose holdings exceeding 5% of a public company, arguing that the SEC's structure is also unconstitutional [1][2]. Group 1: SEC Disclosure Requirements - Since the 1960s, U.S. securities laws mandate that investors holding over 5% of a public company must disclose their intentions within a specified timeframe if they intend to acquire control [1]. - The SEC claims Musk failed to timely file required disclosures when he acquired over 5% of Twitter (now X) by March 14, 2022, with a deadline for disclosure set for March 24, 2022, but he filed on April 4, 2022 [1]. Group 2: Musk's Defense - Musk's legal team attributes the delayed filing to a "good faith error" by his asset managers and brokers, who mistakenly believed the deadline was at the end of the year rather than the 10-day requirement [2]. - The legal team argues that the distinction between active and passive investors in the 13D rule infringes on the First Amendment, as it forces disclosure based on the investor's intent [2]. Group 3: SEC's Position - The SEC maintains that the case is straightforward, asserting clear responsibility for Musk's failure to disclose and seeking to recover hundreds of millions in profits along with penalties [1]. - An SEC spokesperson declined to comment on Musk's constitutional claims [3].