Elon Musk Clashes with Governor Tim Walz Over Tesla’s Stock Decline and Election Remarks

In a fiery exchange that is sure to reverberate through the political and business spheres, Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded sharply to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after the Democratic leader took aim at the electric vehicle manufacturer’s stock performance and Musk’s political influence.

Walz, who has never shied away from voicing his opinion on Musk’s business ventures, made a tongue-in-cheek comment during a recent town hall in Wisconsin, suggesting that he often checks Tesla’s plummeting stock value as a way to "stay motivated" throughout the day.

The exchange, which took place on a Tuesday during a town hall event titled "The People vs Musk," quickly escalated when Walz joked about tracking Tesla stock’s downward trajectory.

The company’s shares had dropped a staggering 41.4% since the start of the year, amid mounting pressure from several controversies surrounding Musk’s ventures. As Walz held up his iPhone to demonstrate his point, he made light of the stock slump, drawing laughter from the crowd.

“I’ve added Tesla to the stock app on my iPhone for a little extra motivation throughout the day,” Walz quipped, alluding to the dramatic drop in Tesla stock as a result of a combination of factors, including the company’s controversial leadership decisions and Musk’s public disputes with various sectors of society.

At the event, which was hosted in Wisconsin, Walz further criticized Musk, whom he referred to as “a South African-born child not elected to any office,” a jab aimed at Musk’s political influence despite his lack of official political office.

The crowd’s response indicated they were entertained by the remark, but it was clear that Walz had crossed a line with Musk.

Elon Musk, never one to back down from a challenge, quickly responded to Walz’s comments, flipping the narrative in a way that only he could. Instead of simply addressing the stock performance of Tesla, Musk made it clear that he was ready to take the fight to the political arena.

Musk, a frequent critic of the Democratic Party, turned the tables on Walz by focusing on the governor’s future in politics.

In a tweet that echoed his longstanding critiques of the Democratic establishment, Musk wrote: “Maybe Walz should focus more on his own political failures rather than worrying about Tesla's stock. I’m pretty sure his 2024 election bid won’t be winning any awards.”

This response came after Walz had not only mocked Musk’s business dealings but also hinted that Tesla owners should consider removing the company's logo from their vehicles using "dental floss."

His sarcastic comment was clearly meant to undermine the electric car manufacturer’s public image and poke fun at the downturn in the company’s fortunes.

While Musk’s response was direct and cutting, it also revealed a deeper frustration with political figures who, in his view, attempt to criticize or diminish the importance of his companies while making little attempt to understand the broader implications of his work.

Musk’s long-standing skepticism toward politicians and government involvement in business has become a key component of his public persona, and his latest remarks aimed at Walz fit neatly into this narrative.

The dramatic drop in Tesla’s stock value has been a significant point of discussion in the media. Since the start of 2024, the company’s shares have fallen by more than 40%, a striking decline that has raised questions among investors and the public.

While many factors have contributed to this downfall, including regulatory challenges, global supply chain issues, and Musk’s own controversial public statements, the stock’s slide has added pressure on an already volatile situation for the company.

Tesla has long been regarded as a leader in the electric vehicle market, with Musk at the helm of the company driving forward technological innovations.

However, recent decisions by Musk—including his polarizing acquisition of Twitter and his outspoken political views—have alienated certain segments of his audience and created a sense of uncertainty about Tesla’s future in the global marketplace.

Musk’s personal brand has become inextricably linked to the fortunes of his companies, and as his personal popularity fluctuates, so too does the financial performance of Tesla.

Musk’s reputation as an outspoken billionaire tech mogul has earned him both admiration and scorn, and he has often found himself at the center of controversies that extend well beyond the business world.

His ability to turn public criticism into an opportunity for engagement, however, has been a hallmark of his strategy, allowing him to dominate headlines and control the narrative.

While Musk’s exchanges with Governor Walz and other politicians may seem like isolated incidents, they are part of a growing political divide that has come to define Musk’s public persona.

A staunch critic of the Democratic Party, Musk has aligned himself with conservative political figures on several key issues, including government regulation, taxes, and free speech.

At the same time, his business interests, particularly with Tesla and SpaceX, are deeply intertwined with government contracts and regulatory frameworks, creating a unique tension between his political leanings and his dependence on government support.

Musk’s critics have pointed to this contradiction as evidence of hypocrisy, while his supporters view his battles with politicians as a necessary fight for free enterprise and against overreaching government control.

Walz, representing the Democratic Party, has become one of Musk’s more vocal critics, but this is not the first time that Musk has clashed with politicians.

Over the years, Musk has faced similar friction with figures from both the left and right, underscoring his commitment to challenging the status quo and advocating for what he sees as the greater good—regardless of political affiliation.

As the drama between Musk and Walz unfolds, the future of Tesla and Musk’s other ventures remains uncertain. The company’s stock may continue to fluctuate, and Musk’s own political battles may intensify as the 2024 elections draw near.

What is clear, however, is that Musk’s influence, both as a business leader and as a political provocateur, shows no sign of waning.

While Musk has successfully navigated controversies in the past, it remains to be seen whether his continued clashes with political figures like Walz will impact the long-term success of his businesses.

Regardless, Musk has made it clear that he will continue to fight for what he believes in—whether that’s in the boardroom or in the political arena.

As the political and business world watches closely, one thing is certain: Elon Musk’s battle with Governor Tim Walz is far from over.