Musk is paying a combined 53% between Federal and State tax in 2021.

Not saying I agree with dimwits, but is that the before his lawyers and accounts find ways chop the number down figure, or what he actually paid?

Sure, back in the fifties, the nominal top federal income tax rate was 90% and it's about 40% now, but is there even one super wealthy person who actually paid/pays anything like those rates? If so, they’re getting lousy tax advice.