Sharing a clip of Cardi’s speech, Musk accused the Harris campaign of lacking “authenticity or true empathy.” Cardi B, however, didn’t stay silent. Responding on X, the Grammy-winning rapper challenged Musk’s understanding of real American struggles. “I’m not a puppet, Elon,” she wrote. “I’m a daughter of two immigrant parents who worked their a** off to provide for me. I’m a product of welfare, section 8, and poverty—a product of what happens when the system is set up against you.”
She emphasized that Musk couldn’t understand the everyday challenges many Americans face. “You don’t know one thing about the American struggle,” she added, standing her ground against Musk’s dismissive words. Known for her outspoken nature, Cardi ended her post on a humorous note, telling Musk to “fix my algorithm,” a jab at frustrations many social media users share about content reach.
At the rally, Cardi B’s speech was both personal and emotional. Representing the Harris-Walz ticket, she showed her admiration for Kamala Harris, calling the Vice President a “fighter” she relates to. Despite some technical issues with the teleprompter, Cardi spoke for 10 minutes from her phone, sharing a heartfelt message with the audience. “I take seriously the call to show up, to speak out,” she said. “This moment has been on my heart for a while now.”
In her speech, Cardi B explained that while she hadn’t initially planned to back any candidate, Harris’s vision for the future of the country changed her perspective. She described Harris as “passionate, compassionate, empathetic, and, most importantly, realistic.”
Relating to Harris’s journey, Cardi said she’s experienced the challenges of being underestimated and having her success questioned—something she believes women often face. “Like Kamala, I always stand up to a bully,” she noted, adding that Harris’s resilience inspired her to speak up in support.
Cardi B’s endorsement highlighted her belief in Harris’s message, saying that the Vice President’s words truly resonated with her.