Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, has stirred up social media once again, this time over a peculiar remark about billionaire Elon Musk. Walz, already engaged in a feud with Musk over his support for former President Donald Trump, recently made headlines for his choice of words—words that many found offensive and perplexing.
Last week, Walz made headlines for reportedly referring to Musk as a “dips***,” as Fox News reported. However, his recent comments at a campaign stop in Detroit have fueled the controversy even further. During his speech, Walz seemed to imply that Musk, who is a father of twelve and frequently in the spotlight for his relationships, might be gay. This comment, intended as an insult, sparked a social media firestorm.
The incident happened as Walz discussed tax cuts for billionaires, singling out Musk as an example. He stumbled over his words, appearing to start saying “that guy” but instead said, “that gay…” before quickly correcting himself to say “that dude.” After the slip, Walz made a cheeky remark to the crowd, saying, “Michigan knows that word,” followed by a snicker, adding an awkward layer to the already puzzling statement. The comment was caught on video, and conservative commentator Ian Miles Cheong shared the clip on social media, captioning it with, “What did he even mean by this?”
Tim Walz calls Elon Musk “that gay guy.” What did he even mean by this? pic.twitter.com/VPxOLxaklG
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) November 1, 2024
The video quickly went viral, and reactions poured in, with many questioning what Walz was trying to convey and accusing him of using a homophobic slur. Others speculated that it was an unintentional slip, while some viewed it as a desperate attempt to take a jab at Musk.
Walz’s comment seems to have been a flubbed attempt to say “that guy got” but accidentally came out as “that gay…” The awkward phrasing, combined with his following snicker and the added remark to the crowd, implied that he had committed to the insult rather than correcting it outright. To his credit, Walz eventually switched his wording to “that dude,” but the damage was done.
Musk’s public image and personal life have been anything but secretive. His high-profile relationships, including his former romance with actress Amber Heard, have been widely covered in the media. Additionally, as a father to twelve children, Musk’s life has often been subject to intense scrutiny and speculation. If he were gay, it’s likely the news would have come out long ago, considering his status as a cultural and tech icon who seldom shies away from the public eye. Musk has built his career on innovation and controversy, never hesitating to be unapologetically himself. As a result, few believe he would keep his orientation hidden if it were relevant.
What’s more telling in this situation is Walz’s handling of the incident. Known for his sometimes clumsy public speaking, Walz himself has referred to his lack of finesse as being a “knucklehead.” Despite this, his failure to immediately clarify his slip-up and instead double down with the offhand “Michigan knows that word” comment came off as juvenile to many observers. Rather than taking responsibility or addressing the potential misinterpretation, Walz appeared to use the moment to garner laughter from the crowd.
The remark quickly became a flashpoint on social media, where users criticized Walz not only for the slip-up but for his approach to Musk, who has a reputation for being politically outspoken and unfazed by public opinion. Many felt Walz’s comment reflected poorly on him, especially as someone in a position of leadership. While political figures often use humor or barbs to connect with crowds, critics argued that this attempt fell flat, revealing a lack of tact and potentially crossing the line of decorum.
This latest incident adds fuel to an ongoing feud between Walz and Musk. Walz has frequently criticized Musk’s political leanings, particularly his support for Donald Trump. Musk’s re-entry into political discussions and his comments on social platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have made him a regular subject of criticism from various political figures. For Walz, who is vying for the vice presidency, the remark has cast a shadow over his campaign, with many questioning his judgment and professionalism.
The controversy surrounding Walz’s comment reflects a broader cultural tension, especially as the line between humor, insult, and respect continues to be debated. As social media amplifies every remark, political figures are held to high standards regarding their speech and decorum. For Walz, this slip may serve as a lesson in the perils of attempting humor with potentially offensive implications, particularly when directed at high-profile individuals like Musk, who wields significant influence and popularity.
Whether Walz intended to insult Musk directly or simply made an error in speech, the backlash from social media suggests that such remarks are seen as a lapse in professionalism. As the campaign continues, Walz may face increased scrutiny regarding his public statements, particularly when addressing politically divisive figures. For now, however, he’ll likely have to contend with the fallout from this unusual choice of words.
