Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is attempting to backpedal after mocking Tesla’s stock performance, now claiming his disparaging comments were just a “joke.” The Democrat suddenly changed his tune as attacks on Tesla vehicles escalate nationwide, with his own state holding over one million shares in the company.
At a glance:
• Governor Tim Walz walks back his mockery of Tesla’s stock performance, claiming he was “just being a smart-ass”
• Minnesota’s state pension fund holds over one million shares of Tesla stock
• FBI warns about violent attacks on Tesla dealerships and vehicles across at least nine states
• Attacks coincide with backlash against Elon Musk’s leadership of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency
• Tesla’s stock has plummeted 41.4% year-to-date amid the controversy
Walz’s Sudden Reversal on Tesla Remarks
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is desperately trying to explain away his mockery of Tesla’s plunging stock price after he faced significant backlash. The Democrat Governor now claims his comments were just a joke, complaining that critics “have no sense of humor” while acknowledging he “probably shouldn’t have” made the remarks.
Walz’s attempted damage control comes as the FBI reports targeted attacks on Tesla properties in at least nine states since January, involving vandalism, gunfire, and arson. The Democratic Governor had previously boasted about adding Tesla to his stock tracking app “to give me a little boost during the day — $225 and dropping.” Tesla’s value has plummeted in recent months, particularly in Europe, where sales fell by 45%.
Tesla Shareholders Pay Price for Political Attacks
The timing of Walz’s comments has been criticized, especially given that Minnesota’s own state pension fund holds over one million shares of Tesla stock. His mockery of the company’s falling stock price effectively celebrates financial losses for the very residents he was elected to serve, including state employees whose retirement funds are invested in the company.
Tesla’s stock has decreased by 41.4% year-to-date, dropping from $479.86 per share in December to $226.62 recently. The decline coincides with increasing political attacks on Musk following his appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration.
Violent Attacks Follow Political Rhetoric
The FBI has issued warnings about organized attacks on Tesla properties across the country. These incidents have escalated in tandem with harsh rhetoric from Democrat politicians like Walz, who has criticized Musk’s efforts to reduce government waste.
During his attempt to walk back his comments, Walz complained about perceived “disrespect” shown to employees at the Minneapolis VA, suggesting that federal efficiency measures would harm veterans.
