His wealth may well reignite discussion of the diverging fortunes of wage earners and those with market-based wealth.

It took more than a century to go from first millionaire to first billionaire, and another century to hit $200 billion. Now the world is waiting for its first trillionaire.

“The new Gilded Age won’t end itself," said Oxfam America. "This is a trillion-dollar alarm bell that should wake governments up to the need to take action."

At a time when concerns about inequality are high and public attitudes toward the ultra-wealthy have soured, Musk has managed to retain a loyal following despite his…