Kevin O’Leary clashed with left-wing podcast host Angela Rye on Wednesday. She claimed Elon Musk’s leadership makes Tesla a “South Africa-first” company.
Anti-Musk protesters have vandalized Tesla dealerships, chargers, and vehicles. They left swastikas and graffiti across the U.S. Rye took a shot at Musk’s immigration status. O’Leary quickly fired back, arguing all Americans are descendants of immigrants.
“I don’t condone violence, but people need to look in the mirror,” Rye said. “Tesla isn’t an America First company. It’s a South Africa-first company. But the same party that pushes America First lets an immigrant have unfettered access. If they had their way, there’d be no space for immigrants.”
“We’re all immigrants,” O’Leary responded. “Are some of us lesser immigrants? Is Elon Musk tainted because he’s South African? He’s brilliant, but tainted? Wow. Where do I fit in? I’m Irish-Lebanese. Am I second class?”
Republican commentator Michael Singleton defended Tesla. He said the company is based in America and employs thousands of Americans. Rye claimed the GOP favors white immigrants, specifically “South African refugees.”
“Elon Musk’s company is American,” Singleton said. “You don’t like his views, I get that. But it’s an American company that employs all kinds of people. Black, white, Latino, Republican, Democrat.”
“I think you’re missing my point,” Rye pushed back. “The GOP is hypocritical on immigration. I’m not rooting for Tesla’s downfall. I just want fairness. They shouldn’t favor South Africans whose land was stolen, as some in your party claim.”
Firefighters found seven Tesla superchargers on fire in Littleton, Massachusetts. It was ruled intentional.
Police arrested Justin Thomas Nelson, a trans-identifying man, at a Tesla dealership in Colorado. He was caught carrying explosives. In Maryland, vandals spray-painted “No Musk” along with a swastika or an X. Most suspects in these attacks identify as transgender or nonbinary.
Donald Trump called the attacks “domestic political terrorism.” He blamed the political left.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz mocked Tesla’s stock drop. It fell 40% in 2025. He said he “takes great pleasure” in Musk’s struggles.