Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. show interest in buying MSNBC
The buzz began when Donald Trump Jr. shared a post on X (formerly Twitter).
While Musk’s past purchases, like Twitter, show he’s serious about bold moves, critics worry about the future of independent journalism.
More topics for you.This topic continues below.
Russia warns citizens against travel to the west, responds to Trump’s call for Ukraine ceasefire
Suicide bombing in Kabul kills Taliban refugee minister
Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, is making headlines again. This time, it’s about a possible interest in buying MSNBC, the liberal cable news network.
The buzz began when Donald Trump Jr. shared a post on X (formerly Twitter). He pointed out that Comcast, MSNBC’s parent company, plans to spin off its cable channels into a separate business. Trump Jr. tagged Musk in his post, saying, “Hey @elonmusk I have the funniest idea ever!!!”
Musk replied, asking, “How much does it cost?” He later added, “The most entertaining outcome, especially if ironic, is most likely,” along with a laughing emoji.
While Musk’s tone seemed playful, many recall how he joked about buying Twitter years before actually purchasing it. Back in 2017, Musk responded to a tweet saying he loved Twitter with, “How much is it?” In 2022, he bought the platform for $44 billion.
Reactions to the News
If Musk were serious about buying MSNBC, it could shake up the media industry. Some experts and critics have already expressed concerns.
Boston University professor Thomas Whalen called it “a bombshell on the broadcasting landscape.” He said MSNBC provides strong criticism of former President Donald Trump, unlike some other networks. Whalen compared Musk’s possible move to how oligarchs control media in Russia.
Craig Moffett, a media analyst, also commented on the potential move. He told CNN, “There are only two media entities that Donald Trump dislikes more than CNN. One is MSNBC and the other is NBC.”
Musk’s Media Influence
Musk’s purchase of Twitter, now X, already had a huge impact on social media. One of his first actions was to lift the ban on former President Trump. Trump had been banned after the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.
Since Musk took over X, many users have switched to alternative platforms like Bluesky. These users worry about Musk’s influence on free speech and the direction of his platforms.
Trump’s Role and Legal Moves
Former President Trump also plays a big role in this story. He has criticized MSNBC many times, calling it a “24-hour hit job.” He even accused the network of election interference.
Trump has a history of suing media outlets. He recently filed a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS, claiming their “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris was misleading. CBS denied the allegations.
Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also hinted at punishing networks that criticize him. This includes moves to cut public funding for news outlets and push for stricter broadcast rules.
Comcast’s Plans
The timing of this news is significant. Comcast recently announced plans to spin off its cable channels, including MSNBC and CNBC, into a separate company. This move could make MSNBC an easier target for a buyout.
Whether Musk is serious about buying MSNBC or just joking remains unclear. However, his history suggests that even his playful comments can lead to big decisions.
