Tim Walz Calls Elon Musk a ‘South African Nepo Baby’ Amid Growing Tensions Over His Wealth and Influence

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a former Democratic vice presidential nominee, has once again ignited controversy with his comments about Elon Musk. While attending an event in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Walz referred to Musk as a "South African nepo baby," a phrase aimed at criticizing Musk’s immense wealth and his background as an immigrant.

This remark, which came during a rally for the upcoming Wisconsin State Supreme Court race, has sparked reactions from both sides of the political spectrum.

At the event, Walz had initially stated that name-calling wouldn’t be productive. However, his remarks quickly contradicted his own sentiments as he went on to call Musk a "South African nepo baby," drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

Musk, the world's richest man and CEO of companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has been a target of political figures across the country, especially given his rising influence and wealth. Walz’s comment, which took aim at Musk’s family background, comes at a time when Democrats have been increasingly critical of Musk's political donations and his influence on American politics.

Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971. He moved to Canada in 1989 before eventually settling in the United States in the early 1990s. In 2002, Musk became a U.S. citizen, but his immigrant background has been used by both Democrats and Republicans to criticize his involvement in U.S. politics.

Walz’s choice to refer to Musk as a “nepo baby,” a term often used to describe individuals who inherit wealth or status rather than earning it, further underscores the growing frustration many Democrats feel about Musk’s wealth and his ability to shape public policy.

The phrase “nepo baby” is particularly pointed, as it implies that Musk’s success is largely due to his family’s wealth and connections, rather than his own merits. Musk’s father, Errol Musk, was a successful engineer and property developer in South Africa, a fact that has been widely discussed in public debates about Musk’s background.

The notion of Musk’s wealth being inherited rather than self-made has long been a talking point among critics who argue that his immense fortune is not entirely the result of his personal achievements.

Walz’s remark about Musk’s immigrant background is part of a broader trend among some Democratic lawmakers who have pointed out that Musk’s foreign origins make him an outsider in American politics. Just weeks before Walz’s comment, Ohio Representative Marcy Kaptur questioned Musk’s loyalty to the United States, asking, “Which country is he loyal to? South Africa, Canada, or the United States?”

Similarly, New York Representative Nydia Velázquez made headlines when she suggested that Musk should "go back to South Africa." Virginia Representative Don Beyer also echoed these sentiments during a protest, stating, “We’re going to send Elon back to South Africa.”

While some of these remarks are rooted in genuine concerns about Musk’s influence in U.S. politics, they also tap into a broader strategy used by Trump and his allies, who have repeatedly criticized politicians and figures based on their immigrant backgrounds.

Former President Donald Trump, who has made a career of questioning the loyalty of immigrants and their place in American society, has often targeted opponents with similar rhetoric, questioning President Barack Obama’s birthplace and telling several congresswomen of color to “go back” to their home countries.

This rhetoric, while divisive, has found a receptive audience among his base, who view it as a critique of the American political establishment.

Despite the political divide, Walz’s criticism of Musk is not entirely new. This is not the first time Walz has referred to Musk as a “nepo baby.” He previously used the term in relation to Musk’s efforts to push for cuts to government spending.

During a town hall event in Des Moines, Walz slammed Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for recommending cuts to the Veterans Affairs Department. “There’s nothing conservative about an unelected South African nepo baby firing people at the V.A.,” Walz said, highlighting the concerns many have about Musk’s approach to government restructuring.

The growing tension between Musk and the political establishment is also reflected in his involvement in the Wisconsin State Supreme Court race. Musk has been a major financial backer of the right-wing candidate in the race, donating $13 million to the campaign.

This has drawn ire from Democrats, who have used the donations to accuse Musk of attempting to influence the judiciary in favor of conservative policies. Walz, in particular, has used Musk’s political contributions to rally support against his influence, further fueling the debate about Musk’s role in shaping American politics.

While Walz’s comments about Musk have garnered significant attention, they are part of a larger conversation about the influence of wealthy individuals in American politics. Musk’s donations to political causes have raised questions about the role of billionaires in shaping public policy, especially when their financial support appears to sway elections or influence key decisions.

The growing frustration among Democrats about Musk’s political influence reflects a broader concern about the power of wealthy individuals and corporations in the political system.

Musk, for his part, has largely remained quiet about these criticisms, choosing instead to focus on his business ventures and philanthropic efforts. However, his political donations and public comments continue to attract attention, making him a polarizing figure in American politics.

As the 2024 election season approaches, Musk’s influence on political discourse will likely remain a point of contention, especially as Democrats continue to question his role in shaping U.S. policy.

The debate surrounding Musk’s wealth, influence, and immigrant background highlights the broader tensions in American politics. As Musk’s wealth and political influence grow, so too do the calls for greater scrutiny of his actions and motivations.

Whether it’s through political donations, comments about government spending, or involvement in high-stakes political races, Musk’s presence in the political arena is unlikely to subside anytime soon.