Tesla shares have climbed an impressive 20 percent over the past five trading days. The automaker’s stock is showing strong signs of recovery after months of volatility. Investors appear increasingly confident in Tesla’s future despite earlier concerns—and despite certain politicians’ apparent wishes.
This rebound comes at an interesting time. It coincides with a significant political development.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was Kamala Harris’ running mate during her failed 2024 presidential bid, is now claiming that his celebration of Tesla’s stock decline was just a joke. Indeed, Walz faced backlash after publicly mocking Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk.
Convenient timing for a sudden sense of humor, isn’t it?
“I have to be careful about being a smartass. I was making a joke,” Walz alleged as he backtracked. “These people have no sense of humor.”
What Walz Really Said
Walz’s original comments were far from ambiguous. He boasted about adding Tesla to his phone’s stock app specifically to enjoy watching its decline.
“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 at a recent Wisconsin event.
And Walz didn’t stop there. He then suggested that Tesla owners should remove their car badges.
“And if you own one, we’re not blaming you,” Walz stated. “You can take dental floss and pull the Tesla thing off.”
These statements came across as deliberate, not comedic. They reflected genuine satisfaction at Tesla’s stock troubles. Does that sound like someone telling a joke, or someone revealing their true feelings?
Walz later admitted that Musk “bugs me in a way that’s probably unhealthy.”
This confession reveals personal animosity driving his comments. At least he’s honest about something.
Bad Jokes, Real Consequences
Walz’s “joke” could have serious financial implications for Minnesotans. The state employees’ pension fund owns over 1 million Tesla shares.
When a governor celebrates the decline of a stock his own state has invested in, it raises questions. His personal vendetta potentially works against the financial interests of Minnesota’s public servants. I thought elected officials were supposed to protect their constituents’ interests, not undermine them.
Tesla’s stock performance directly affects state pension values. Every percentage drop represents real money lost for retirees and future pension recipients.
The Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary highlighted this contradiction. He pointed out how Walz’s comments work against the interests of his state’s pension investors.
The 20% stock rebound since Walz’s comments demonstrates the volatility his words could exacerbate. Public officials should consider the financial impact of their statements—or is responsible leadership too much to ask?
🚨Kevin O’Leary blasts “Bozo” Tim Walz over rooting for Tesla stock to crash — while his state’s pension plan owns it:
"That poor guy didn't check his portfolio and his own pension plan for his state. It's beyond stupid what he did."
"I mean, what's the matter with that guy? He… pic.twitter.com/WPvT2OCTUX
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) March 20, 2025
A Pattern of Personal Vendettas
Walz’s backtracking fits a concerning pattern. He dismisses criticism with claims his detractors “have no sense of humor.” The classic playground defense: I was just kidding!
His comments about Musk reveal the personal nature of his attacks.
“Maybe it’s just me. If I’m the richest man in the world, I’m like out on the streets handing out money,” Walz said.
This perspective ignores how wealth creation works. Musk’s companies have created thousands of jobs and driven innovation in multiple industries. But why understand economics when you can score cheap political points?
Walz particularly objects to Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The governor seemingly prefers inefficient government to efficiency championed by someone he dislikes. How dare anyone try to make the government run better!
Tesla vehicles have recently faced vandalism since Musk joined the Trump administration. Public figures like Walz, who normalize hostility toward companies based on political associations, may inadvertently encourage such behavior. Are we really surprised when rhetoric turns into action?
When elected officials celebrate American business failures for personal or political reasons, everyone loses. Walz’s “joke” may have gotten a laugh from supporters, but Minnesota pensioners aren’t finding it funny at all.
Key Takeaways
- Walz celebrated Tesla’s stock decline while Minnesota’s pension fund owns over 1 million shares.
- Walz’s claim of “just joking” contradicts his admission of personal animosity toward Musk.
- Tesla’s 20% stock recovery shows markets respond to business fundamentals, not political attacks.
- Public officials who target businesses based on personal vendettas harm their own constituents.
