Summary
- Kevin O’Leary criticized Tim Walz for mocking Tesla shares
- Walz added Tesla to his Apple Stocks app to watch shares fall
- Tesla stock is down 36% in 2025
- O’Leary called Walz out of touch as Tesla is a major part of the Minnesota Retirement Fund
- Walz’s comments have been attributed to Elon Musk’s support for the Trump Administration
Article
Kevin O’Leary, the Shark Tank personality and legendary investor, criticized former Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz for his comments regarding Tesla shares. Walz, a Minnesota Democrat, added Tesla to his Apple Stocks app to watch shares fall, claiming that whenever he needs a boost, he looks at Tesla shares. O’Leary called Walz out of touch for his comments, especially since Tesla comprised a significant portion of the Minnesota Retirement Fund. As of June 2024, the pension fund held 1.6 million shares of Tesla stock worth over $319.6 million. O’Leary slammed Walz for not checking his own pension plan, calling him “a bozo” for his remarks.
Walz’s criticism of Tesla and CEO Elon Musk is not surprising, as Musk has helped eliminate excess government spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, Walz’s comments seem out of touch considering his state’s pension fund’s investment in Tesla. O’Leary expressed shock at Walz’s lack of awareness regarding the potentially negative impact of his comments on the fund’s investments. While it is unclear whether the fund has sold its Tesla holdings since June, it is likely that the automaker’s shares still make up a portion of the fund’s portfolio.
Additionally, Musk’s support for the Trump Administration may have influenced Walz’s critical stance towards Tesla. Musk was a significant contributor to former President Trump’s campaign for his second term in office. Despite the political implications, O’Leary emphasized the importance of being mindful of the consequences of publicly criticizing investments that may affect state funds. Walz’s lack of consideration for the impact of his remarks on the pension fund’s investments highlights a disconnect between his statements and the financial implications for his constituents.
O’Leary’s appearance on CNN following Walz’s comments underscored the ramifications of public figures’ statements on financial matters. The legendary investor reprimanded Walz for his perceived ignorance regarding his state’s pension fund and its significant holdings in Tesla stock. O’Leary’s critique aimed to highlight the responsibility public officials have in their public declarations, especially when they concern financial matters that may impact state funds and their constituents. By calling out Walz’s lack of attention to his pension fund’s well-being, O’Leary sought to emphasize the importance of informed decision-making in matters of finance and investments.
In light of Walz’s comments regarding Tesla shares, O’Leary’s reaction serves as a reminder of the complexity and impact of public statements on financial markets and state investments. As a high-profile investor and media personality, O’Leary’s intervention in this matter shed light on the need for public officials to carefully consider the implications of their words on financial matters. O’Leary’s criticism of Walz’s lack of awareness regarding his state’s pension fund investments in Tesla stock underscores the importance of informed decision-making and accountability in financial management, particularly when public figures are involved.
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