According to sources familiar with the transaction, Musk finalized the acquisition within 72 hours after Baldwin’s comments, which expressed his frustration at what he described as a ‘legacy media network undermining public discourse with trivial celebrity antics.’
In a typically cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk remarked: ‘If someone insults you during a live television broadcast, why not think about purchasing the entire network and dismissing them? #Efficiency.’
In the event that someone insults you during a live television broadcast, why not contemplate purchasing the entire network and dismissing their employment? #Efficiency.
The acquisition, as stated in a joint announcement from Musk’s holding company X Holdings and Disney, includes full rights to ABC’s television and streaming properties, along with partial stakes in its news division.
While Musk did not explicitly confirm whether The View influenced his decision to acquire, sources suggest that the program was certainly a factor in his considerations. Baldwin, a regular guest and occasional co-host on The View, voiced strong disapproval of Musk during a discussion about the obligations of technology billionaires.
His remark, branding Musk as ‘a scumbag with rockets,’ quickly attracted significant attention. Although the insult may have been aimed at Musk’s controversial management style or polarizing public image, few expected the billionaire to respond so dramatically. ‘Usually, people react on Twitter,’ remarked a Hollywood insider. ‘Elon responds by purchasing your company.’
On the contrary, some view this as yet another troubling example of a billionaire wielding excessive influence over public platforms. A media analyst commented on Twitter, ‘We are observing the evolution of democracy into a spectacle.’ Alec Baldwin issued a statement indicating that he has ‘no regrets’ about his comments and expressed a desire for ABC to ‘maintain its integrity under the leadership of its new owner, no matter how unlikely that may appear.’
This recent action is just one of the many unexpected business decisions made by Musk. From the launch of flamethrowers through The Boring Company to the rebranding of Twitter as X, he has positioned himself as both a technological pioneer and a cultural and media disruptor.
Media analyst Janine Koh notes that perceptions of Elon vary; some see him as a visionary, while others consider him a disruptor. In various domains—whether in automotive, space exploration, or morning talk shows—he consistently challenges traditional norms, which can be viewed as either groundbreaking or concerning.
Looking ahead, Musk has expressed even broader ambitions. He mentioned on X, ‘This is just the beginning. We intend to develop a superior alternative to cable news. Please stay tuned.’ As a result, the world is eager to see the implications of one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet acquiring not just airtime but also the very platform where he has been criticized.
