Minnesota Governor Tim Walz clarified his recent remarks about Tesla stocks, saying that he was “making a joke”. Speaking at an event in New York, Walz said “This guy bugs me in a way that’s probably unhealthy,” referring to Elon Musk. “I have to be careful about being a smart**s. I was making a joke. These people have no sense of humor. They are the most literal people,” he added. Last week, Walz – a democrat posted on X: “If you need a little boost during the day, check out Tesla stock. ”
He also shared a video in which he said “Some of you know this. On the iPhone, they’ve got that little stock app. I added Tesla to it to give me a little boost during the day — $225 and dropping,” Walz said. “And if you own one, we’re not blaming you. You can take dental floss and pull the Tesla thing off.”
The governor’s remarks sparked swift criticism, notably from “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary, who slammed them as “beyond stupid,” pointing out that Minnesota’s State Board of Investments holds 1.6 million Tesla shares in its retirement fund.
“That poor guy didn’t check his portfolio and his own pension plan for his state,” O’Leary said on CNN. “What’s the matter with that guy? He doesn’t check the well-being of his own constituents? What a bozo.”
‘I said something I probably shouldn’t have’: Tim Walz
Clarifying his remarks further, Walz said: “But my point was, they’re all mad, and I said something I probably shouldn’t have about a company.
However, Walz continued to criticize Musk for his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). “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,” he said.
“Maybe it’s just me. If I’m the richest man in the world, I’m like out on the streets handing out money,” he added. “It’d be fun as hell just to help people out. Go help people out. Not this guy.”
