‘What a bozo!’: Kevin O’Leary slams Minnesota’s Tim Walz for cheering Tesla stock price crash — says the state pension plan owns 1.8M shares. 3 ways to diversify beyond stocks

Tesla shares have plunged 32% in 2025, wiping out hundreds of billions of dollars in market cap. CEO Elon Musk has faced sharp criticism for his involvement in the Trump administration — particularly in his role at the Department of Government Efficiency.

While Walz may be celebrating the decline of Musk’s EV empire, Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary says the governor should think twice — especially if he cares about his own constituents.

“That poor guy didn’t check his portfolio in his own pension plan for state. It’s beyond stupid what he did. He’s talking down 1.8 million shares in his own state’s pension plan.” O’Leary wrote on Instagram. “What’s the matter with that guy? He doesn't check the well-being of his own constituency in his state? What a bozo!”

O’Leary was referring to a report from the Minnesota State Board of Investment, which showed that the state’s retirement fund held 1,615,511 shares of Tesla as of June 30, 2024, while its non-retirement fund held 211,332 shares.

For investors concerned about overexposure to stocks — whether in a pension fund or personal portfolio — Tesla’s volatile ride serves as a reminder of the risks. While equities can offer long-term growth, diversification can be key to managing market swings and protecting wealth. Here’s a look at three ways to diversify beyond stocks.

‘A very effective diversifier’ for bad times

Tesla isn’t the only stock in the red — broader market turbulence has investors on edge. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite is down 6% in 2025, as concerns over tariffs, trade tensions, ballooning national debt, and the risk of recession weigh heavily on investor sentiment.

In an uncertain environment like this, billionaire hedge fund legend Ray Dalio is once again emphasizing the importance of diversification — and the enduring value of one classic asset.

“People don’t have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” he said in a recent interview with CNBC. “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”

Gold is considered a go-to safe haven. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and because it’s not tied to any single currency or economy, investors often flock to it during periods of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, driving up its value.

While the economy hasn’t officially entered a recession, gold has already surged — climbing 40% over the past year and recently topping the $3,300-per-ounce mark.

Priority Gold is an industry leader in precious metals, offering physical delivery of gold and silver. Plus, they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating from Trust Link.

If you’d like to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, Priority Gold offers 100% free rollover, as well as free shipping, and free storage for up to five years. Qualifying purchases will also receive up to $10,000 in free silver.

To learn more about how Priority Gold can help you reduce inflation’s impact on your nest egg, download their free 2025 gold investor bundle.

Passive income from a real asset

Real estate has long been a favored way to generate passive income — and unlike stocks or bonds, it’s a tangible asset you can see and manage.

It’s also a time-tested hedge against inflation. As the cost of materials, labor and land rises, property values often increase as well. At the same time, rental income tends to climb, giving landlords a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.

Of course, purchasing a property requires significant capital — and finding the right tenant takes time and effort. But thanks to new investment options, you don’t need to own a property outright to gain exposure to real estate.

For instance, platforms like First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

A finer alternative

It’s easy to see why great works of art tend to appreciate over time. Supply is limited and many famous pieces have already been snatched up by museums and collectors.