Cardi B Fires Back at Elon Musk’s “Puppet” Comment After Teleprompter Glitch at Kamala Harris Rally

Cardi B has clapped back at Elon Musk after he referred to her as a “puppet” following a teleprompter glitch that left her “flustered” during a speech at a Friday Kamala Harris rally in Milwaukee.

The incident occurred when the rapper struggled to read her prepared remarks, prompting Musk to share a video of the moment on X (formerly Twitter). In it, he criticised her ability to speak without guidance, saying, “Another puppet who can’t even talk without being fed the words.” He further claimed, “The Kamala campaign has no authenticity or true empathy.”

Cardi B slammed Elon Musk for calling her a “puppet” following her speech at Kamala Harris’ rally in Milwaukee on Friday. Getty Images

In response to Musk’s remarks, Cardi took to X on Saturday, declaring, “I’m not a puppet, Elon. I’m a daughter of two immigrant parents that had to work their ass off to provide for me!” She went on to highlight her background, stating, “I’m a product of welfare, I’m a product of Section 8,” referencing the rental assistance program for low-income families.

“I’m not a puppet, Elon,” the “WAP” songstress pinned in a message to Musk, seen here in October, via X on Saturday. AFP via Getty Images

Cardi, 32, emphasised her systemic challenges, saying, “I’m a product of poverty, and I’m a product of what happens when the system is set up against you … But you don’t know anything about that. You don’t know not one thing about the American struggle.”

“I’m a daughter of two immigrant parents that had to work their ass off to provide for me!” the hitmaker, photographed above with Harris on Friday, wrote. AP

Cardi admitted to feeling “a little nervous” during her speech due to the teleprompter failure but expressed her determination, saying, “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life. My whole life!” She urged the crowd for “patience,” asking, “Are we ready to change the next eight years? Because we will ensure we have Kamala Harris in office for eight years!” Afterwards, she was handed a phone with her speech displayed on it.

Cardi added, “I’m a product of welfare; I’m a product of section 8.” Getty Images

Cardi B is among several celebrities who have publicly endorsed Harris in the upcoming presidential election against Donald Trump. Just days prior, Jennifer Lopez also showed her support at a Harris rally in Las Vegas, where she addressed the concerns of Puerto Ricans after controversial jokes made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Trump rally in New York City.

The mom of three said Musk doesn’t know “one thing about the American struggle.” AFP via Getty Images

Over the weekend, Musk called out the “Up” emcee for stumbling on her words during her speech at Harris’ rally. AFP via Getty Images

At the time, the teleprompter that featured Cardi’s speech malfunctioned. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

“Another puppet who can’t even talk without being fed the words,” the Tesla founder, seen here in January, wrote on X alongside a video of Cardi’s speech. NurPhoto via Getty Images

Additionally, Beyoncé spoke at a Harris rally in Houston on October 25, urging attendees, “We must vote, and we need you.”