Jimmy Kimmel and Tim Walz have faced accusations from conservative critics of indirectly encouraging attacks on Tesla, though explicit endorsements of violence are not present in their public remarks. Contextual analysis reveals:
During a March 2025 monologue, Kimmel sarcastically addressed vandalism against Tesla vehicles:
– “People have been vandalizing Tesla vehicles… Please don’t vandalize—don’t ever vandalize Tesla vehicles” \, followed by a theatrical pause that drew audience laughter.
– Later, he quipped about Tesla vehicles allegedly catching fire spontaneously: “Authorities are now investigating which Teslas were set on fire—and which set themselves on fire” \.
Elon Musk called Kimmel an “unfunny jerk” \, while conservative figures like Sean Hannity labeled the remarks “glorification of violence” and “Antifa-era” rhetoric \. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) accused ABC of allowing “on-air incitement of criminal behavior” \.
Walz, Harris’ 2024 running mate, added fuel to the controversy by mocking Tesla’s financial struggles during a March 2025 town hall:
– “I added Tesla to to give me a little boost during the day” \, referencing its 41% stock decline.
– He advised Tesla owners to remove logos with “dental floss” \.
Musk responded by trolling Walz over his election loss: “I look at the @JDVance portrait in the White House and thank the Lord” \. The White House echoed Musk’s jab, posting a photo of Vance’s portrait with the caption: “We walk around the corner… and admire these beautiful portraits” \.
– Federal authorities classified recent Tesla arson attacks as “domestic terrorism,” with AG Pam Bondi vowing “highest penalties” for perpetrators \.
– Critics argue Kimmel and Walz’s rhetoric aligns with broader progressive criticism of Musk, whom Walz called an “un-elected, South African, nepo-baby” \.
While no direct calls for violence exist, critics interpret their tone as tacit approval of anti-Tesla sentiment. The backlash underscores deepening political divisions, with conservatives framing the incidents as part of a “war on free enterprise” \.
