Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Tim Walz: A Continued War of Words

Elon Musk, the outspoken CEO of Tesla, and Tim Walz, the former Vice Presidential candidate and current Minnesota politician, have been embroiled in a public clash. Their war of words continues as Walz recently called Musk a “greedy bastard” for allegedly failing to pay taxes after becoming successful. This heated back-and-forth is not new, and Musk has already responded to these comments, which have caught the attention of both the media and social platforms.

The tensions began when Walz, during a recent statement, criticized Musk for not paying his fair share of taxes and suggested that people like Musk should be demonized. Walz argued that those who achieve financial success should contribute more to society and not engage in tax avoidance. These remarks were part of a broader commentary where Walz implied that he benefits when Tesla’s stock prices fall, a point that was later criticized by some notable figures, including Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary.

Musk quickly reacted on social media, calling Walz a “liar” and defending his tax record. In fact, Musk paid an enormous $11 billion in taxes in 2021, setting a new record for the largest single-year tax bill in American history. While Walz’s remarks continue to provoke Musk, they also seem to reflect broader political differences, with Musk’s association with the Trump administration often becoming a topic of controversy.

What Undercode Says:

The ongoing feud between Elon Musk and Tim Walz is more than just a clash of personalities—it’s an example of the deepening polarization between business and politics in the United States. At the heart of this argument is the idea of corporate responsibility and individual contribution to society. Musk’s vast wealth, often seen as a product of Tesla’s success, places him under a magnifying glass, inviting public scrutiny about his taxes and financial practices.

While Walz’s statements about Musk seem to target his wealth, the Minnesota politician also provides insight into a larger debate surrounding the role of the wealthy in society. Musk, as a figurehead of the tech and automotive revolution, has amassed both fame and fortune. However, his controversial political affiliations, business decisions, and public comments have caused many to question whether he embodies the ideals of responsibility or selfishness.

Musk’s $11 billion tax payment in 2021 may silence some critics, but for many, it doesn’t erase the broader concerns about wealth inequality and tax fairness. Critics of Musk, such as Walz, argue that despite paying such a large amount, billionaires like Musk still find ways to avoid taxes or manipulate the system for their benefit. On the other hand, Musk’s supporters often point to his innovative contributions, such as the creation of Tesla and SpaceX, which have revolutionized multiple industries. This dichotomy between innovation and responsibility is at the core of the dispute.

Additionally, the Tesla Supercharger initiative in Roswell, New Mexico—a UFO-inspired project—has garnered attention. It reflects Musk’s approach to making the mundane (like electric vehicle charging stations) something more engaging and memorable. This commitment to creating experiences that resonate with people stands in contrast to his reputation as a businessman driven by profit. In a sense, Musk’s visionary ventures are what make him an appealing figure to his followers, while his political stances and the business decisions he makes can leave others questioning his motives.

What’s particularly interesting in this conflict is how Walz’s comments reflect the public perception of Tesla and Musk. Politicians like Walz may view Musk’s wealth and his political ties as dangerous, especially in an era where populist rhetoric and anti-elitism are gaining traction. Musk’s detractors often claim that his success is built on exploitation, while his supporters argue that his accomplishments have changed the world for the better. Walz’s personal frustration with Musk’s wealth and influence echoes this broader tension in society about the role of the rich in politics and the economy.

The interaction between Walz and Musk highlights a central issue: the relationship between politics, wealth, and corporate responsibility. As a leading figure in the tech industry, Musk’s every move is scrutinized, and his tax records serve as a point of debate for politicians like Walz, who push for policies aimed at redistributing wealth. Whether Musk’s success is seen as a result of hard work or exploitation largely depends on the ideological lens through which it is viewed. This ongoing feud serves as a reflection of the broader societal divide in how we approach wealth, taxation, and corporate accountability.

Fact Checker Results:

Musk’s Tax Record: The claim that Musk avoids taxes is debunked by the fact that he paid $11 billion in taxes in 2021, the largest single-year tax bill in American history.
Walz’s Comments on Tesla Stock: Walz’s statement about benefiting from Tesla’s stock decline was retracted, though it initially led to backlash from figures like Kevin O’Leary.
Tesla’s Global Sales Decline: Tesla’s sales in Germany saw a significant drop in Q1 2025, a 62.2% decrease from the previous year, amid global competition and production shifts.