Tesla Stock Soars 20 Percent After Walz Mocked Its Earlier Decline

Tesla stock has surged nearly 20 percent in recent weeks reversing a slump that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz once cheered as a daily boost. The electric vehicle giant faced challenges earlier this year amid vandalism and boycotts tied to CEO Elon Musks political ties with President Trump. Now investors see a rebound fueled by Trumps support and Musks focus on innovation.

Walz made headlines in March when he bragged about tracking Teslas falling stock on his iPhone. He took a jab at Musk calling him an unelected South African nepo-baby during a Wisconsin town hall. The comments drew a sharp response from Musk who turned the tables with a quip about Walzs election loss.

Teslas troubles began with a 41.4 percent drop year-to-date by March amid protests over Musks role in Trumps administration. Vandals targeted Tesla dealerships and charging stations prompting Attorney General Pam Bondi to label the acts domestic terrorism. The stock hit a low as Democrats shunned the brand over Musks conservative leanings.

President Trump stepped in to bolster Tesla delivering five vehicles to the White House and vowing to buy one himself. He called protests illegal and collusive signaling strong backing for Musk his key advisor. Analysts say this endorsement helped reverse the slide despite tariff-related market jitters.

Despite the recovery Tesla faces headwinds from Trumps trade policies with tariffs on China threatening its supply chain. Nearly 40 percent of Teslas battery suppliers are Chinese raising costs that could hit consumers. Musk remains optimistic claiming Tesla could outpace rivals in a tariff-heavy environment.

Investors point to Teslas edge in autonomous driving and robotics as key to its resurgence. Morgan Stanley analysts see the firm dominating these fields even without EV subsidies. Musk has touted a future where Tesla is worth more than the top five carmakers combined driving renewed confidence.

Critics argue Musks political stances continue to alienate liberal buyers who once flocked to Tesla. Surveys show over half of UK car shoppers now avoid the brand due to Musks right-wing ties. Yet Republican support spurred by Trumps backing may offset losses keeping the stock afloat.

The rollercoaster ride of Teslas stock reflects broader tensions in Trumps America where business and politics collide. Musks dual role in Tesla and the Department of Government Efficiency ties the firms fate to administration policies. For now the 20 percent jump signals Wall Street still bets on Musks vision.