[hactually]

Surely there's a "change of control" clause in their contractuals?

[wmf]

Who do you think that clause would benefit and how?

[batguano]

Many employees stock options plans vest the options on change of control. All the ones I’ve had did.

[wmf]

What does that have to do with severance?

[batguano]

The severed employees likely had accelerated stock vesting the moment Elon took ownership.