The US Presidential election race is heating up, and with just days left until the polls open, the stakes are higher than ever. In a recent campaign stop in Detroit, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, threw a jab at billionaire Elon Musk that sparked a social media frenzy. While discussing the influence of billionaires in elections, Walz jokingly referred to Musk as ‘that gay guy’, a remark that quickly drew backlash.
The incident occurred during Walz’s tour through Michigan, a crucial state in the upcoming elections. He was engaging with local community leaders, rallying supporters in Flint, and taking aim at his Republican opponent, Donald Trump. Walz criticized Trump’s proposal to impose tariffs on imports, highlighting the irony of Trump’s age and suggesting he should be more knowledgeable about their implications. He stated, “You would have thought in his nearly 80 years on the planet, he could have learned what a damn tariff was and how it worked.”
However, it was his comment about Elon Musk that truly captured attention. While discussing billionaires’ roles in elections, Walz quipped, “That guy, that gay guy, Michigan knows that word.” This remark, delivered with a chuckle, sparked a social media storm with critics condemning the use of the term ‘gay’ as a derogatory slur.
Elon Musk himself responded on X (formerly Twitter) by posting, “I have no problem being called gay, to be honest.” He did not elaborate further, but his nonchalant response added fuel to the fire, with many users expressing their surprise at Walz’s comment.
Trump and Musk supporters took to social media to express their outrage, accusing Walz of homophobia. “The weird gay guy calling other people weird and gay is… interesting,” one user commented. Others questioned Walz’s motives and questioned whether he had something to hide by using ‘gay’ as a slur. “It’s not a problem to be gay. Why does he think it’s such a problem? Does he have something to hide?” another user wrote.
The controversy highlights the increasingly charged political atmosphere leading up to the US Presidential elections, where even off-handed remarks can quickly escalate into major news stories. It also underscores the growing influence of billionaires in politics and the public’s interest in their political leanings and actions. The incident has reignited the debate around the use of the word ‘gay’ in a casual, often derogatory way, further highlighting the need for greater sensitivity and awareness in public discourse.
