Last Update:02 November 2024 10:02 IST

This debate comes as the US election campaigns of both parties are heating up in key states such as Michigan and Wisconsin

Tim Walz gestures from the stage at a rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on October 28. Meanwhile, Elon Musk (in a separate photo) watches Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on October 27. (Reuters)

Less than a week before the November 5 election, Minnesota Governor and Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz sparked controversy by referring to Elon Musk as a “gay man” while discussing the influence of wealthy individuals in US politics during a campaign event in Detroit. .

Walz’s comment came as he slammed tax cuts that benefit billionaires, saying: “If you’re a billionaire — like Elon Musk — that guy, that gay guy… Michigan knows that word. Look, this guy has a tax break.”

‘It’s okay to be called gay’

These remarks sparked immediate backlash on social media; While many users expressed outrage, others found humor in the situation. Musk, who actively supports Republican candidate Donald Trump, responded to Walz’s comment about X: “I have no problem being called gay.” This seemed to downplay any insult received.

But online reactions were very different. While some users mocked Walz for the words he used, others scolded him because they thought he used the word “gay” as an insult. The fallout from Walz’s comments coincided with US Vice President Kamala Harris hosting a rally in Milwaukee featuring stars like Cardi B and others. Glorilla.

As political risks increased, Walz continued to campaign in Michigan’s Democratic strongholds. He spoke harshly about Trump’s economic policies, especially harshly criticizing the former US president’s tariff proposal to increase production. He questioned Trump’s understanding of tariffs given his age, saying: “You would think in his nearly 80 years on the planet he would have learned what a damn tariff is and how it works.”

Social Media Reaction

Amid the controversy, the Harris-Walz campaign has yet to respond to Walz’s comments. Meanwhile, on social media, people are expressing their outrage over Walz’s comments about Musk. “Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz called Elon Musk a gay man. This is beyond pathetic. Elon Musk is a national value and deserves respect regardless of the party or candidate he supports. Shame on the Democrats,” wrote one user on X.

Another user asked: “Why does the party that advocates gay rights and promotes LGBTQ-positive messages use the word ‘Gay’ as a derogatory term against Elon?” Great choice, Kamala, where Tim Walz won’t alienate you.”

Location :

Washington DC, United States (USA)