Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called Elon Musk a ‘South African nepo baby’ during a rally, generating applause from attendees. The remarks reflected broader criticisms from Democrats regarding Musk’s immigrant background, in contrast to Trump’s attacks on elected officials of color. Walz’s comments adhere to ongoing political discourse about immigration and wealth, highlighting the tensions between the Democratic Party and influential figures like Musk.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has sparked controversy by labeling Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, as a “South African nepo baby” at a recent rally in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The remarks occurred as Walz was addressing delegates ahead of an impending State Supreme Court election. Despite previously asserting that disparagement does not foster positive dialogue, he drew significant approval from the crowd for his criticisms of Musk, who is a prominent figure in the corporate world.
Democrats have taken a keen interest in Musk’s immigrant background, marking a stark contrast to Donald Trump, who has aimed similar attacks toward officials of color rather than wealthy individuals. Ohio Representative Marcy Kaptur questioned Musk’s loyalties by asking which country he favors: South Africa, Canada, or the United States. Other representatives, including New York’s Nydia Velázquez and Virginia’s Don Beyer, have echoed sentiments urging Musk to return to his homeland.
Elon Musk, born in South Africa in 1971, emigrated to Canada in 1989 before settling in the United States and obtaining citizenship in 2002, as documented by his biographer Walter Isaacson. Walz’s comments came on the first day of early voting for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, a contest that pits a liberal candidate against a Trump ally who has received $13 million in donations from Musk.
Walz has previously characterized Musk as a “nepo baby”, a term referring to individuals benefiting from inherited wealth or status. Musk’s father was involved as an engineer and developer in Pretoria. Walz criticized Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency for proposing cuts to Veterans Affairs, stating, “There is nothing conservative about an unelected South African nepo baby firing people at the V.A.”
Historically, Trump has employed foreign origins as a derogatory narrative against his opponents, such as questioning Barack Obama’s birthplace or telling U.S.-born congresswomen of color to leave the country. Reports have surfaced about Musk working in the U.S. on a student visa during the 1990s, leading President Biden to inaccurately describe him as an “illegal worker”, a claim Musk firmly denies.
Last month, Stephen Bannon, a former chief strategist under Trump, disparaged Musk as a “parasitic illegal immigrant” lacking regard for American values. The intensifying scrutiny of Musk’s background highlights the ongoing friction within political discourse, particularly surrounding issues of immigration and identity.
In conclusion, Tim Walz’s remarks about Elon Musk encapsulate the growing scrutiny surrounding the billionaire’s immigrant status, contrasting sharply with historical narratives employed by political figures like Donald Trump. As the political landscape evolves, tensions regarding immigration and the implications of wealth and influence continue to spark fervent discussions within the Democratic Party. Furthermore, as seen in Walz’s speech, Musk’s critics leverage his background to frame their narratives, reflecting a deeper ideological divide in American politics.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
