Judge Questions Musk SEC Settlement Fairness

A federal judge has expressed significant skepticism regarding a proposed settlement between Elon Musk and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The judge indicated she would not approve the deal without further scrutiny, citing 'red flags' and potential special treatment for Musk. The settlement involves a $1.5 million fine paid by a trust, rather than Musk directly, to resolve allegations of late disclosure of his Twitter stake, which the SEC claimed allowed him to buy shares at artificially low prices. The judge is demanding explanations on how the deal was reached and why it deviates from standard procedures.