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In a fiery exchange this week, renowned investor Kevin O’Leary took to CNN to slam Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz after the latter made controversial remarks about Tesla’s stock. Walz, known for his Democratic leanings, recently admitted that he added Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) to his stock watch list purely to observe its fall. Tesla shares have taken a hit in 2025, with a 36% decline so far, and Walz, along with other critics of Tesla and CEO Elon Musk, appeared to relish this drop. O’Leary, however, had a different take on the situation, calling Walz’s comments out of touch with reality, especially considering the significant impact Tesla has on Minnesota’s state pension fund. Here’s a breakdown of the key events, followed by an analysis of the situation.
Summary:
Kevin O’Leary, a prominent figure on Shark Tank and a legendary investor, sharply criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after his disparaging remarks about Tesla’s stock performance. Walz, who has previously been critical of Tesla and Elon Musk, shared that he had added Tesla to his Apple Stocks app to monitor its falling stock prices. He mentioned that he found it somewhat satisfying to watch Tesla’s decline, especially given the automaker’s struggles in early 2025.
However, O’Leary responded swiftly, calling Walz’s comments “stupid” and accusing him of not checking his own state’s pension fund portfolio, which holds millions of dollars in Tesla stock. As of June 2024, Minnesota’s pension fund had 1.6 million shares of Tesla, valued at over $319 million. O’Leary pointed out that such remarks, especially from a public official, could be seen as irresponsible, as they fail to consider the well-being of the state’s investors and pensioners.
The exchange between the two also highlights the ongoing divide between Musk’s supporters and critics, particularly due to his political affiliations with the Trump administration. Walz’s comments seemed particularly tone-deaf given Tesla’s significant position in state investment funds, leaving O’Leary to call Walz “out of touch” and “a bozo” for overlooking the financial implications of his statements.
The tension didn’t stop there. Meanwhile, Tesla faced growing opposition from anti-Musk activists, with Tesla showrooms being vandalized and targeted by acts of protest. Musk, in response, confirmed that the company was ramping up security measures at its showrooms to address the increasing vandalism and attacks.
Despite the controversies surrounding Tesla, another significant update emerged as the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) reached a valuation of $44 billion in its latest funding round, signaling Musk’s potential to recover and stabilize the brands under his portfolio. Even amidst external attacks and scrutiny, Musk’s aggressive cost-cutting strategies are paying off, with X now showing improved revenue and profitability.
What Undercode Says:
This debate over Tesla stock between Kevin O’Leary and Tim Walz highlights a deeper issue concerning public figures, investments, and the intersection of politics and business. For one, Walz’s dismissive comments about Tesla’s stock can be viewed as emblematic of a broader disconnect between political discourse and financial reality. While it’s natural for politicians to have opinions on corporations, the disregard for the state’s own investments in Tesla speaks to a lack of understanding of the consequences that such words can have on a state’s financial health.
O’Leary’s sharp criticism is a reminder of how investors are expected to consider all aspects of a company before forming opinions—particularly when their states are directly invested. His frustration stems from the fact that Walz, as a public official, may not realize the negative effects of his statements on the pension fund’s performance. By criticizing Tesla without understanding how intertwined the company is with Minnesota’s financial interests, Walz risks undermining the state’s economic stability and putting at risk the livelihoods of thousands of public employees who rely on the pension fund.
Moreover, the incident brings into focus the broader issue of political figures who may not fully grasp the implications of their words on the stock market and corporate affairs. While politicians are entitled to have opinions about companies, it’s essential that they balance their criticisms with an understanding of the real-world financial impacts their statements could cause, especially when such companies have substantial investments tied to public funds.
At the same time, this situation brings attention to the increasing role of social media and digital platforms in business. Musk’s involvement with X (formerly Twitter), for example, shows that the digital landscape can serve as both a weapon and a tool for shaping public discourse, managing crises, and capitalizing on growth. Musk’s ability to transform X into a $44 billion business after criticisms and financial losses post-acquisition underscores the unpredictable nature of modern business, where strategic investments and restructuring can lead to dramatic turnarounds.
The Tesla saga—comprising stock market fluctuations, public protests, and legislative resistance—shows how complex modern business is in the age of social media, political polarization, and economic volatility. The fact that both investors and politicians are caught in the crossfire of these larger debates signals a need for deeper engagement with corporate governance and public responsibility.
Fact Checker Results:
- Tesla’s Role in Minnesota’s Pension Fund: As of June 2024, the Minnesota Retirement Fund held 1.6 million Tesla shares, valued at over $319 million.
- Walz’s Stock Monitoring: Walz’s comments about Tesla’s stock declining are based on the 36% drop observed in the first part of 2025.
- O’Leary’s Criticism: O’Leary’s remarks about Walz’s lack of awareness regarding the state’s pension investments were aimed at highlighting the disconnect between political rhetoric and financial reality.
References:
Reported By: https://www.teslarati.com/shark-tank-kevin-oleary-tim-walz-tesla-stock/
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