A recent spate of comments by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz regarding Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk has sparked varied responses.
During public appearances, Governor Walz joked about Tesla's declining stock price and Elon Musk's management style, which he later stated were meant humorously amid criticism, the New York Post reported.
At an event in Wisconsin, the Democratic Governor referenced monitoring Tesla's stock, which was observed falling to $225, using his iPhone's stock application.
His remarks extended to facetious comments about removing the Tesla decal from vehicles, aimed at lightening the mood amid economic discussions.
In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on March 18, 2025, during a town hall, Governor Walz expressed that his remarks about Musk were provocatively humorous, which might not have been necessary. He identified his approach to Musk as potentially excessive and cautious.
Further elaborating on his comments at a subsequent town hall in Rochester, Minnesota, Walz broached his frustrations, noting that his sarcastic tone often gets lost, leading to unintended controversy among audiences who do not appreciate such humor.
Governor Walz commented, "This guy bugs me in a way that’s probably unhealthy. I have to be careful about being smart–. I was making a joke. These people have no sense of humor. They are the most literal people."
Walz criticized the public and media’s focus on his jokes rather than more serious societal issues, such as employee treatment at the Minneapolis VA, demonstrating a disparity in reaction to different types of news.
"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," stated Governor Walz.
Further, he touched upon Musk's recent public endeavors including a demonstration with President Donald Trump on March 11, 2025, showcasing a Tesla vehicle outside the White House. The act was part of a broader visibility campaign as Musk took an active role in the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with reducing federal expenses by cutting down the workforce.
Amidst this political and economic backdrop, Tesla's shares have plummeted by 41.4% since the beginning of the year. This stock market downturn paralleled a series of vandalism aimed at Tesla vehicles, an act seen by some as politically motivated due to Musk's governmental engagements.
Addressing disparities in reactions, Walz made a pointed critique of Musk's lack of direct philanthropy, considering his immense wealth. "Maybe it’s just me. If I’m the richest man in the world, I’m like out on the streets handing out money. It’d be fun as hell just to help people out. To help people out. Not this guy," he argued.
These episodes highlight a complex interplay of politics, economy, and public perception, pivoting on humorous remarks that might seem trivial but reveal deeper societal and political dynamics.
