In a seismic shakeup of the media landscape, Elon Musk has acquired the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) for a staggering $25 billion and appointed conservative firebrand Tucker Carlson as its new CEO, with a stated mission to eradicate what they call “woke” media. The announcement, made on April 15, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting an immediate backlash from progressive circles, with some in the “woke community” vowing to leave the United States if the network’s transformation moves forward. This bold move further cements Musk’s growing influence across industries, from tech to sports to now media, as he continues to challenge cultural norms.
Musk, whose net worth stands at $297.8 billion after a $144 billion loss, revealed the acquisition during a live X Spaces event, where he also introduced Carlson, the former Fox News host known for his polarizing right-wing commentary. “ABC has been a mouthpiece for woke propaganda for too long,” Musk declared, referencing the network’s coverage of social issues like transgender rights and racial equity, which he and Carlson have criticized as biased. “Tucker is the right man to clean house and bring back real journalism.” Carlson, 55, who left Fox News in 2023 amid a $787 million defamation lawsuit settlement, echoed Musk’s sentiment, vowing to “dismantle the woke agenda” and make ABC a “beacon of truth.”
The acquisition adds to Musk’s sprawling portfolio, which already includes Tesla, SpaceX, the Philadelphia Eagles (purchased for $33.5 billion), and X, which he sold to xAI for $33 billion. It also aligns with his recent political activities as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), roles that have amplified his influence but also fueled protests, with over 200 demonstrations reported outside Tesla facilities in a single weekend. Musk’s purchase of ABC, a network with a 77-year history and shows like Good Morning America and Grey’s Anatomy, signals his intent to reshape media narratives in line with his conservative-leaning views, such as his recent proposal to ban biological men from women’s sports tournaments.
Carlson’s appointment as CEO has intensified the controversy. During his tenure at Fox, he was a lightning rod, drawing millions of viewers with his critiques of progressive policies but also facing accusations of promoting misinformation on topics like COVID-19 and the 2020 election. His new role at ABC, where he plans to overhaul programming and fire staff he deems “too woke,” has sparked outrage among the network’s employees and viewers. “This is a hostile takeover of a trusted institution,” one ABC producer told The Hollywood Reporter anonymously. “Tucker’s agenda will destroy what ABC stands for.”
The backlash has been fiercest among progressive activists, with some vowing to leave the U.S. if Carlson’s vision for ABC takes hold. On X, where #ABCMuskTakeover trended, a user wrote, “If Tucker Carlson turns ABC into a right-wing propaganda machine, I’m out—I’ll move to Canada.” Another added, “Musk and Carlson are trying to erase progress. This is the last straw.” The sentiment echoes recent celebrity exodus threats, like those of Bruce Springsteen and Robert De Niro, who announced their move to Italy citing Musk’s influence and U.S. unrest.
For Musk and Carlson, the criticism only fuels their resolve. “If the woke community wants to leave, they’re welcome to go,” Carlson said during the X Spaces event, smirking. “We’re building a media that serves the majority, not the loud minority.” As ABC braces for a radical transformation, the move underscores the deepening cultural divide in America. Whether Musk and Carlson can successfully “wipe out” what they call woke media—or whether their efforts will backfire amid boycotts and defections—remains to be seen. For now, the media world watches in shock as one of its giants faces an unprecedented reckoning.
