In an announcement that has shaken both the media and political worlds, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has reportedly begun negotiations to acquire the American television network ABC. What makes this news even more explosive is his alleged intention to appoint controversial political commentator Tucker Carlson as the network’s new CEO. Such a move has sparked strong reactions and poses a burning question: does Musk want to orchestrate the end of media “wokeness”?
A takeover that shakes Hollywood and Washington
According to sources close to the matter, Elon Musk has expressed keen interest in acquiring ABC, the iconic network in the American broadcasting landscape, currently owned by the giant Disney. The latter is going through a period of financial turmoil, with significant losses in the streaming sector and recurring criticism of its editorial stance, which is deemed too “progressive.”
Musk, who has repeatedly criticized media outlets he considers biased, sees the acquisition as an opportunity to “restore balanced journalism free of woke ideology.” He reportedly even said at a private event:
“The public wants the truth, not ideological propaganda. It’s time to give voice back to those we tried to silence.”
Tucker Carlson: A Strategic Choice or a Declaration of Culture War?
The choice of Tucker Carlson as a potential ABC CEO is far from trivial. The former Fox News anchor, who was fired in 2023 after a series of controversies, has become an iconic figure of anti-wokeism in the United States. He currently hosts a show on Musk’s platform, X, where he continues to spread his often polarizing conservative views.
Some analysts see his appointment as a direct provocation to the media and cultural elites. Others see it as a strategic move aimed at appealing to a significant portion of the conservative electorate, particularly in the run-up to the 2026 US presidential election.
Chain reactions in the media world
The news sparked an avalanche of reactions, ranging from enthusiasm among some right-wing commentators to the most intense indignation in progressive circles.
Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted:
“Elon Musk is trying to turn a news network into a propaganda machine. This isn’t freedom of expression, it’s media manipulation.”
Conversely, Joe Rogan praised Musk’s audacity:
“Perhaps this is exactly what we need. The big chains are dying from the inside, we need someone who dares to break the mold.”
Another step in Elon Musk’s crusade against “wokeism”
The project is part of the billionaire’s broader strategy to combat what he calls the “dictatorship of political correctness.” Since acquiring Twitter in 2022, Musk has made sweeping changes to its content moderation rules, reinstated banned accounts, and encouraged a freer, even if offensive, tone.
The potential acquisition of ABC would be the logical outcome of this crusade: controlling a major traditional media outlet and transforming it into a bastion of conservative counterculture.
A project that is still uncertain, but symbolic
At this point, neither Disney nor Musk have officially confirmed the deal. Financial experts point out that the ABC acquisition would be complex, both legally and regulatory. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) could also oppose the deal, especially if it sees it as a threat to media diversity.
But beyond the technical feasibility, it is the symbolic dimension of this initiative that is striking: an ultra-media-friendly businessman, associated with technological innovation, now wants to weigh heavily on the dominant media narrative.
Conclusion: End of “wokeism” or the beginning of a new culture war?
If this project comes to fruition, it would mark a major turning point in the battle for control of information in the United States. By handing the reins of a major media outlet to Tucker Carlson, Elon Musk could permanently reshape the media ecosystem and shift the public debate.
But the move also risks deepening divisions, inflaming the already raging culture war, and raising profound questions about the concentration of power in the hands of a few influential individuals.
In any case, one thing is certain: the already fragile neutrality of the media has just been shaken once again by a storm… named Elon Musk.
