Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) took a playful swipe at Tesla CEO Elon Musk during an event in Wisconsin on Tuesday, drawing attention to his own quirky way of boosting his mood amidst the political chaos. The governor, known for his laid-back yet determined approach to leadership, shared a lighthearted moment with the crowd when he mentioned using his iPhone’s stock app to keep track of Tesla’s fluctuating stock prices.
“I added Tesla to it to give me a little boost during the day,” Walz said with a grin, drawing laughter from the audience. “225 and dropping!” he added, referencing the dramatic fall in Tesla’s stock price.
It was a clever and timely comment considering the ongoing challenges Musk has faced due to his prominent political stance and leadership within the Trump administration’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk, who has faced sharp scrutiny since becoming involved with the Trump administration’s push to cut government agencies, quickly responded to Walz’s quip on the social platform X, which he owns. The billionaire shared a humorous post in return, referencing an image of Senator JD Vance, a known Trump ally.
Musk wrote, “Sometimes when I need a little boost, I look at the @JDVance portrait in the @WhiteHouse and thank the Lord,” alongside a praying hands emoji.
Walz’s comments come at a time when Musk and Tesla are both under increasing pressure. Tesla’s stock has experienced a significant drop in recent weeks, with shares plummeting by 34.6% over the last month.
The decline is largely attributed to a combination of factors, including President Trump’s tariff plan and growing uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economy. As Tesla’s stock price tumbles, Musk’s overall net worth has also taken a hit, and his high-profile political activity has increasingly come under scrutiny.
Tesla, a company once seen as a frontrunner in the electric vehicle (EV) market, has found itself facing mounting challenges. The automaker’s stock price, which was hovering around $479 per share last December, has since dropped to just $235 per share by the end of the most recent trading session.
The sharp decline is seen as a result of both the political and economic uncertainty in the United States, as well as Musk’s polarizing presence on social media.
Musk’s involvement with DOGE, the department responsible for overseeing cuts to the federal government workforce, has made him a controversial figure in American politics. The billionaire’s outspoken nature, especially on X, has led to backlash from many who feel that his political views and actions are at odds with the values of the broader public.
His constant sharing of right-wing memes and political commentary on X has only fueled tensions, making him a divisive figure within the tech industry and beyond.
While Musk has continued to dominate headlines with his bold political statements, Walz’s comments offer a refreshing contrast. As a Democratic governor, Walz has focused his energy on connecting with everyday Americans, particularly in the face of the Trump administration’s political and economic strategies.
Walz has made it clear that he is not afraid to challenge the status quo, even if it means taking a playful jab at the billionaire entrepreneur.
Walz’s recent remarks also coincide with a period of political instability in the U.S., with ongoing discussions about the future of the country’s political landscape. Walz, who ran as a vice presidential candidate alongside Kamala Harris in the 2020 election, has begun traveling across the country to speak with voters about the current state of affairs.
His town hall tours are an effort to engage constituents directly and address concerns about the current political climate, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s policies and DOGE’s proposed cuts to the federal workforce.
Walz’s approach has garnered attention, particularly as Republicans continue to avoid in-person meetings with their constituents. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Walz left the door open to a potential presidential run, signaling his intention to take a more active role in shaping the nation’s political future.
His willingness to host town halls in districts where Republicans have been reluctant to engage with voters is a testament to his commitment to creating a more open and accessible political process.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has reportedly advised its members to steer clear of in-person meetings with their constituents, citing frustrations over the Trump administration and DOGE’s impact on the federal workforce. In response to this, Walz has made a point to offer a more accessible alternative by hosting town halls where Republicans have refused to do so.
This initiative has helped him build support among those who feel disconnected from the current political leadership, particularly in districts that are traditionally Republican strongholds.
Walz’s lighthearted jab at Musk, paired with his ongoing efforts to engage voters, highlights the stark contrast between the two political figures. While Musk has become synonymous with divisive political rhetoric and the corporate elite, Walz has positioned himself as a grounded leader who is willing to listen to and engage with the American public.
His approach to leadership is built on accessibility, inclusivity, and a focus on the issues that matter most to ordinary Americans.
The ongoing decline in Tesla’s stock price, coupled with Musk’s increasingly controversial political stance, is raising questions about the future of the company. As Walz’s comments highlight, the automaker’s future may depend on how Musk navigates the intersection of politics and business.
With political tensions continuing to rise, particularly over the Trump administration’s policies and the fallout from DOGE’s actions, Tesla’s ability to maintain its position as a leader in the EV market remains uncertain.
For now, Walz’s lighthearted comments about Tesla’s stock price serve as a reminder of the challenges Musk faces as both a businessman and a political figure. As the Minnesota governor continues to engage with voters across the country, it remains to be seen whether his approach to leadership can make a meaningful impact in the upcoming elections.
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