Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) took a shot at Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, on Tuesday while speaking to a crowd in Wisconsin, saying looking at the company’s stock boosts his mood.
“There’s this thing on my phone — I know some of you know this — on the iPhone. They’ve got that little stock app,” Walz said at the event, according to a clip he posted on X.
Walz has been critical of Musk over his role in President Donald Trump’s administration, as the tech billionaire continues leading mass layoffs in the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency.
Musk’s actions have left more than just Walz upset, as vandalism incidents involving Teslas and Tesla facilities have increased in recent weeks. The company’s stock has also taken a dramatic downturn as the stock market continues to respond to Trump’s economic policies.
In response to the company’s performance, Walz said he’s been watching it fall and enjoying it.
“I added Tesla to it to give me a little boost during the day,” he said to a laughing crowd. “225 and dropping!”
In December, Tesla’s stock had risen to more than $479 per share but has since fallen to around $235 per share as of Thursday morning.
Musk responded to the remarks from Walz, taking a shot at his loss in the 2024 election as former Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate.
“Sometimes when I need a little boost, I look at the JD Vance portrait in the White House and thank the Lord,” Musk wrote.
Walz has increased his public presence in recent weeks after he left the door open for a potential presidential run with The New Yorker.
“Never turn down a job you haven’t been offered,” Walz said after being asked about whether or not he would run for president.