Elon Musk has sparked speculation about potentially buying MSNBC after a playful suggestion from Donald Trump Jr. The idea surfaced when Trump Jr. shared a post from an account claiming that Comcast, the parent company of MSNBC, was looking to sell the network.
In a tweet, Trump Jr. tagged Musk and wrote, “Hey Elon Musk, I have the funniest idea ever!!!”
Musk, known for his humorous and often unexpected responses on social media, replied with a simple question: “How much does it cost?” His comment referenced a similar response he made before acquiring Twitter (now X) for $44 billion in 2022. Musk followed up with another tweet, saying, “The most entertaining outcome, especially if ironic, is most likely,” along with a laughing crying emoji.
The conversation took a further twist when podcast host Joe Rogan chimed in, prompting Musk to suggest, “Maybe I should show up there with a sink,” referencing the famous stunt he pulled when entering Twitter headquarters.
The discussion comes amid Comcast’s recent restructuring. The company announced it would create a new, publicly traded entity that would include MSNBC, CNBC, E!, USA, Oxygen, SYFY, and the Golf Channel.
This restructuring is part of Comcast’s decision to focus on NBC and Bravo. In a statement, Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts emphasised the strength of the company’s assets and management, positioning the new venture for future growth.
MSNBC has struggled with declining ratings recently, particularly after Donald Trump was elected president.
A report from The New York Times pointed out that MSNBC’s viewership dropped significantly following Trump’s victory. The network’s struggles worsened after anchors Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate to start a dialogue, further alienating some viewers.
Musk’s purchase of Twitter in 2022 was a pivotal moment in shifting the platform’s political landscape.
His move to overhaul Twitter, including firing a significant portion of its staff and reinstating Trump’s account, helped turn the platform into a hub for right-wing voices. While advertisers initially fled following Trump’s reinstatement, many returned after his election win.
Musk, an outspoken advocate for free speech, has been critical of what he views as media bias, and Trump has long targeted networks like MSNBC, accusing them of being biased toward Democrats.
During his presidential campaign, Trump called out CBS News for allegedly editing an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris to fit a specific narrative.
As Musk’s playful comments continue to generate buzz, the possibility of a dramatic shift in the media landscape remains a topic of interest. If Musk decides to acquire MSNBC, it could signal another significant change in how news and media operate in the U.S.