Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) is facing mounting criticism after publicly expressing amusement over the decline of Tesla’s stock, prompting sharp backlash from the Trump administration and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
During a recent public appearance, Walz admitted to tracking Tesla’s stock price and taking pleasure in its drop.
Press Secretary Leavitt ends Gov. Tim Walz’ career by responding to him celebrating the attacks on Tesla:
“I think that’s quite sad. I think Governor Walz is living a sad existence after his devastating defeat on November 5th.” pic.twitter.com/MJbHlSxzAU
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) March 19, 2025
“On the iPhone, they’ve got that little stock app. I added Tesla to it to give me a little boost during the day,” he said, as the audience laughed.
“$225 and dropping! And if you own one, we’re not blaming you.”
“You can take dental floss and pull the Tesla thing off.”
His comments quickly drew a strong rebuke from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who was asked how Americans should respond to politicians who “take pride in the fall of an American car company.”
Karoline Leavitt slammed Tim Walz after he said he finds “JOY” when Tesla’s stock dips:
“I think that’s quite sad,” Leavitt responded. “But I think Gov. Walz, unfortunately, is living a sad existence after his devastating defeat on Nov. 5.”
To make matters worse, Musk also responded to Walz’s remarks in an X post on Wednesday morning.
“Sometimes when I need a little boost, I look at the @JDVance portrait in the @WhiteHouse and thank the Lord,” he wrote.
Walz’s remarks come as Tesla faces significant financial struggles. The company’s stock has taken a major hit, affecting millions of American investors and employees.
This decline has been compounded by global protests and boycotts targeting Tesla and Musk.
Musk, who also leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been at the center of controversy for his policy decisions, including cutting federal aid and dismissing government employees. While critics accuse him of corporate overreach, supporters argue his reforms are necessary to reduce government waste and inefficiency.
Despite Tesla’s status as a leader in electric vehicles—central to the Democratic climate agenda—Walz’s comments suggest he finds the company’s troubles amusing. His remarks have drawn criticism from investors and political leaders who argue that rooting for an American company’s downfall undermines the economy and the livelihoods of Tesla workers and stockholders.
Leavitt’s strong response signals that the Trump administration condemns Walz’s comments, particularly given the political and economic impact of Tesla’s downturn. The White House has been actively working to stabilize markets and maintain confidence in American businesses, making Walz’s remarks even more controversial.
The criticism of Walz also underscores the political divide over Musk. While some Democrats have sharply criticized the Tesla CEO, conservatives and free-market advocates view him as an innovator challenging government inefficiency.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s troubles continue to grow. The company has faced organized boycotts, widespread demonstrations and violent protests in recent weeks.
“There’s some kind of mental illness going on here.”
These protests have been serious enough to prompt U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to intervene, labeling them as “domestic terrorism.” Bondi has vowed to take legal action against those inciting violence against Tesla and its employees.
Critics of the protests argue that the anti-Tesla movement is politically motivated, aiming to undermine Musk’s influence in both business and government. Supporters of the demonstrations, however, claim they are necessary to hold Tesla accountable for its labor policies and Musk’s controversial leadership decisions.
