Tim Walz says he was joking when he cheered Tesla’s stock falling: ‘These people have no sense of humor’
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, found himself in hot water after making a joke about Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk during a recent town hall event in Rochester. Walz referred to Musk as a “knucklehead” and a “smarta–,” prompting backlash from Tesla supporters and investors.
During the event, Walz attempted to clarify his comments, stating, “This guy bugs me in a way that’s probably unhealthy. I have to be careful about being a smarta–. I was making a joke. These people have no sense of humor. They are the most literal people.”
The governor’s initial comments came during an event in Wisconsin where he mocked Tesla’s falling stock, saying, “On the iPhone, they’ve got that little stock app. I added Tesla to it to give me a little boost during the day — $225 and dropping. And if you own one, we’re not blaming you. You can take dental floss and pull the Tesla thing off.” This remark was met with criticism from Tesla investors and supporters.
Tesla’s stock has seen a significant decline of 41.4% year-to-date, leading to concerns among shareholders and analysts. Recent vandalism incidents targeting Tesla vehicles have also raised questions about the company’s future.
Governor Walz further criticized Musk for his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where Musk aims to reduce the federal workforce as a cost-cutting initiative. Walz expressed disappointment in Musk’s priorities, stating, “They’re all butthurt about the Tesla thing, but they don’t care about the disrespect they have shown to employees at the Minneapolis VA who care for our veterans, and they fire them. They don’t care.”
As the controversy surrounding his comments continues to escalate, Governor Walz faces backlash from both Tesla supporters and critics. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that public figures face in navigating sensitive topics and maintaining a professional demeanor in public settings.
