Renowned investor Kevin O'Leary recently criticized Minnesota Democrat Tim Walz for his disparaging remarks about Tesla stock. Walz, who added Tesla to his Apple Stocks app to observe its decline, expressed amusement at the company's 36% drop in value this year. His comments reflect a broader criticism of Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, particularly concerning Musk's initiatives to reduce government spending. However, O'Leary pointed out that Tesla significantly contributes to Minnesota's retirement fund, questioning Walz's awareness of his constituents' financial well-being. This critique highlights a disconnect between political rhetoric and fiscal responsibility.
In a recent interview on CNN, Kevin O'Leary addressed Tim Walz's public mockery of Tesla's stock performance. The former Vice Presidential nominee had shared his habit of checking Tesla shares for entertainment, given their notable decline in 2025. While Walz's sentiment may align with others critical of Elon Musk's leadership and policies, O'Leary underscored an overlooked fact: Tesla remains a substantial asset within Minnesota's pension portfolio. As of mid-2024, the fund held over 1.6 million Tesla shares valued at more than $319.6 million.
O'Leary’s critique extended beyond mere financial advice. He described Walz's behavior as misguided, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's own constituency's economic interests. By dismissing Tesla's role in supporting the retirement security of many Minnesotans, Walz demonstrated a lack of alignment with their financial needs. O'Leary further labeled Walz as uninformed, questioning why such careless statements were made without considering their potential repercussions on public funds.
This controversy also touches on the complex relationship between corporate leaders and political figures. Elon Musk, known for his support of certain political administrations, has become a polarizing figure. Despite these alignments, it is crucial for policymakers like Walz to recognize the tangible impacts of their words on institutional investments. Until updated reports confirm any changes in holdings, Tesla likely continues to play a pivotal role in Minnesota's retirement plan structure.
Kevin O'Leary's intervention serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between market dynamics and public policy. Politicians must balance their public expressions with an informed understanding of how their statements might affect constituents’ finances. In critiquing Walz, O'Leary highlighted the necessity for greater diligence in recognizing the financial instruments underpinning community welfare, urging all stakeholders to approach discussions with both insight and responsibility.