Tim Walz Slams Elon Musk as 'Unelected Nepo Baby' at Iowa Town Hall

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Criticizes Elon Musk at Iowa Town Hall

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz delivered sharp criticism of Elon Musk while speaking at a town hall event in Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday. Addressing a crowd of approximately 1,000 people, Walz did not hold back in his assessment of Musk’s influence and actions.

“There’s nothing conservative about an unelected South African nepo baby firing people at the VA,” Walz said, calling out the Tesla and SpaceX CEO for his handling of workforce reductions. Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Walz Condemns Musk’s Political Ties and Workforce Cuts

The governor also criticized Musk’s political associations, particularly his ties to President Donald Trump. “Could you imagine if President Barack Obama had brought his unelected African friend to cut? You know what I mean. How they think to cut the government, this is wrong,” he stated.

Walz’s remarks came as part of his national town hall tour, launched in response to growing dissatisfaction among voters in Republican-controlled districts. He appeared in a district where Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) narrowly won reelection in November. On Saturday, Walz is scheduled to visit Nebraska, where GOP Rep. Don Bacon also secured a close victory in 2024. The White House / Wikimedia

Governor Walz Takes Town Hall Tour to GOP-Led Districts

The idea for the tour originated from a recent X post in which Walz suggested engaging directly with constituents in Republican-led areas. His efforts coincide with ongoing town hall protests against Trump administration policies. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has advised GOP lawmakers to avoid such events, following incidents where legislators like Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) faced heated backlash from constituents.

Walz acknowledged his role in the current political climate during a recent MSNBC interview, stating, “I think Americans have had it,” Walz explained. “… Look, I own this. We wouldn’t be in this mess if we’d have won the election ― and we didn’t.” Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Walz Calls Out GOP Lawmakers

“It’s very hard to find an elected official who doesn’t want to be in front of a crowd or a camera. When they don’t want to be, you know something’s up,” Walz remarked at the town hall, implying that some Republican lawmakers are evading public scrutiny.

He further argued, “And the something that’s up is even people who voted for this didn’t vote for what they’re getting, they didn’t vote for the crap." Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rep. Zach Nunn Defends Record Amid Walz’s Criticism

Rep. Nunn defended his record in a statement to KCCI, Des Moines’ CBS affiliate, asserting that he has maintained an active presence in his district. “Iowans voted for change in November, and I’m delivering: securing the border, unleashing U.S. energy, and cutting taxes for working Americans. While out-of-state Democrats hold fundraisers disguised as forums, we’re focused on real results,” Nunn stated. Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images