In yet another headline-making move, Elon Musk has ignited a storm of controversy by announcing that Tesla will not sell its much-anticipated Pi Phone — touted as the most advanced smartphone in the world — to residents of Minnesota. The unexpected decision came just hours after Minnesota Vikings CEO Kevin Warren reportedly declined to allow Tesla advertisements at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Musk posted late Tuesday night:

“If Vikings don’t want Tesla, Tesla doesn’t want Minnesota. No Pi Phones for the Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

The post has since gone viral, racking up over 50 million views and igniting a fierce debate about corporate retaliation, free market access, and Musk’s ongoing penchant for drama.

The Feud Behind the Ban

Sources close to the situation say that Tesla had been negotiating with the Minnesota Vikings organization to secure prime ad space inside U.S. Bank Stadium, one of the NFL’s top venues. However, Warren, known for his commitment to promoting local and eco-conscious partnerships, reportedly turned down the deal, allegedly stating that Tesla’s recent labor practices and Musk’s unpredictable behavior didn’t align with the Vikings’ brand values.

In response, Musk pulled the plug on Tesla Pi Phone sales in the entire state.

“This isn’t just a business decision — it’s personal,” said a Tesla insider who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Elon believes in loyalty and respect. If he feels slighted, he doesn’t hold back.”

Fallout in Minnesota

Residents and tech enthusiasts in Minnesota reacted with a mix of anger, disbelief, and sarcasm. Pre-orders for the Tesla Pi Phone had been strong in the state, with local tech stores reporting high demand.

“I was genuinely excited for the Pi Phone. I’ve followed every update for months,” said Jenna Lee, a 27-year-old software engineer from St. Paul. “Now, because of some billionaire’s ego trip, I have to look elsewhere? It’s childish.”

Others voiced support for Musk’s right to run his business as he sees fit.

“Honestly, I respect it,” tweeted user @SpaceXFan101. “You mess with Elon, you face the consequences. He’s not playing by the old rules.”

Retailers, however, are caught in the crossfire. TechWorld MN, a major electronics chain in the Midwest, issued a statement expressing disappointment in Tesla’s decision and concern for customers who had already placed deposits.

“We urge Tesla to reconsider this move, which disproportionately affects consumers who have no stake in corporate disputes,” the statement read.

Legal and Ethical Questions

Experts are now weighing in on whether Tesla can legally ban sales based on geography — and whether it’s ethical.

“There’s no law preventing a company from excluding certain states from distribution, especially for a non-essential product,” said Prof. Linda Chow, an antitrust and corporate ethics scholar at the University of Michigan. “But it raises serious ethical questions about consumer punishment over unrelated disputes.”

The Pi Phone, which features satellite connectivity, solar charging, and deep integration with Tesla vehicles and Neuralink, is slated to launch next month with an expected price tag of $1,199.

A Pattern of Behavior?

This isn’t the first time Musk has made headlines for retaliatory behavior. In recent years, he’s clashed with journalists, regulators, and even entire countries over perceived slights. His actions have fueled both intense loyalty among fans and mounting criticism from watchdog groups.

“If he keeps using his platforms and products as weapons in personal feuds, he risks damaging the trust consumers place in his brands,” said Lisa Gutierrez, a tech analyst at ThinkLogic Research.

As of this writing, Tesla has not issued an official press release confirming the Minnesota ban, but online ordering from Tesla’s website has been geo-restricted in the state.

What’s Next?

Whether this ban holds or eventually fizzles under public pressure remains to be seen. For now, Minnesota remains ground zero in a bizarre feud that has taken the business world by surprise.

As Musk himself once tweeted, “Drama is just data with a soul.”

Apparently, Minnesota has become the latest datapoint.