Elon Musk has publicly responded to late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s mocking jokes about the recent vandalism of Tesla properties, calling Kimmel an “unfunny jerk.” The exchange stems from a segment on Kimmel’s show where the host appeared to make light of the recent difficulties facing Tesla, including its stock price plunge and the growing public backlash against the company.
The controversy started when Kimmel, during his monologue, commented on the decline in Tesla’s stock price. He quipped about the situation, saying, “Tesla stock is way down, almost disastrously so,” while the audience erupted into cheers of celebration at the mention of Tesla’s financial troubles.
Kimmel, known for his sarcastic style, also made light of Musk’s other ventures, adding, “Our co-president Elon Musk sent a SpaceX vehicle to bring the astronauts back, and when they landed, he fired them immediately upon landing.” The comments were made in a humorous tone, but they were met with an enthusiastic response from the audience.
However, Kimmel’s jabs didn’t stop there. He continued by referencing the vandalism of Tesla vehicles, which has been happening in the wake of protests against Musk’s actions, particularly his government-related initiatives and his leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In what appeared to be a sarcastic remark, Kimmel said, “People have been vandalizing Tesla vehicles, new Tesla vehicles.
Please, don’t vandalize, don’t ever vandalize Tesla vehicles,” directing his comment straight to the camera with a dramatic pause. His delivery was laced with sarcasm, and the audience continued to laugh and cheer at his remarks.
Musk, who is known for his candidness on social media, responded quickly to the clips of Kimmel’s jokes on the social platform X, calling Kimmel “such an unfunny jerk.” Musk’s sharp retort reflects his frustration with the late-night host’s remarks, especially as they seem to trivialize the real-world violence and damage Tesla has been facing.
The controversy over the vandalism of Tesla properties has escalated in recent weeks. The attacks on Tesla vehicles and dealerships appear to be part of a larger protest against Musk’s actions, particularly his leadership of DOGE, a body responsible for government spending cuts and layoffs.
These policies have sparked outrage among various groups, and some have resorted to violent means of expressing their anger, including the destruction of Tesla cars and the firebombing of Tesla dealerships.
In response to the escalating violence, Musk expressed his shock and dismay during an exclusive interview on the “Hannity” show. He spoke about the hatred and violence directed at his company, which he found particularly surprising coming from the left-wing side of the political spectrum.
“It’s really come as quite a shock to me that there is this level of real hatred and violence from the left,” Musk said. “I thought the left, you know, Democrats, were supposed to be the party of empathy, the party of caring. And yet they’re burning down cars. They’re firebombing dealerships. They’re firing bullets into dealerships. They’re just smashing up Teslas.”
Although Musk’s comments seemed to target the political left, it’s important to note that no evidence has been presented to confirm the political affiliation of those responsible for the vandalism. The attacks on Tesla properties have been attributed to a variety of motives, with some believing that the backlash against Musk’s political and business decisions is driving the violence.
The connection between political ideologies and the attacks remains speculative.
As the situation continues to unfold, legal authorities have taken notice of the violence and are treating it seriously. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement addressing the issue, condemning the attacks as a form of domestic terrorism.
“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi said. “The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences.”
Bondi further stressed that the Department of Justice would continue investigating the incidents, pursuing severe consequences for those responsible for the attacks, including individuals who may be coordinating and funding the acts of violence behind the scenes. The Attorney General’s statement highlights the gravity of the situation and the determination of law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.
The vandalism of Tesla properties has brought attention to the broader context of societal divisions and the frustration that many feel with Musk’s leadership and political actions. Musk, who has become a polarizing figure, continues to receive both support and criticism for his actions as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
His leadership of DOGE, which focuses on reducing government spending and cutting jobs, has been particularly contentious, and many have criticized him for what they see as a lack of empathy and concern for working-class Americans.
Despite the backlash, Musk remains steadfast in defending his policies and his vision for the future. He continues to be an outspoken critic of what he perceives as the excesses of government spending and the inefficiency of public sector programs.
However, his comments about the vandalism and the broader political climate suggest that he feels personally targeted by those who oppose his views and actions.
As the debate over Musk’s role in government and business continues to evolve, it is clear that the tension between his supporters and detractors is unlikely to subside anytime soon. The attacks on Tesla vehicles and dealerships are just one example of the intense polarization that surrounds Musk’s public persona.
While some view him as a visionary entrepreneur pushing for innovation and change, others see him as a controversial figure whose actions are damaging to the public good.
For now, the dispute between Musk and Kimmel remains at the forefront of the media’s coverage of the ongoing controversy. As Musk continues to defend his actions and policies, the tension between him and his critics, including Kimmel, is likely to remain a focal point of public debate.
