Elon Musk Reportedly Eyes ABC Takeover, Plans to Appoint Tucker Carlson as CEO in Anti-‘Woke’ Media Shake-Up

In a media move as bold as it is controversial, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is reportedly preparing to purchase ABC from The Walt Disney Company and install former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson as the network’s new CEO. If confirmed, the acquisition could reshape the American media landscape and reignite cultural and political divisions that have only deepened in recent years.

According to multiple anonymous sources close to Musk, the tech mogul sees this potential acquisition as more than a business transaction—it’s a mission to challenge what he calls “woke ideology” in mainstream news. In his view, ABC has become another casualty of political correctness, and Carlson is the only person capable of restoring what Musk believes is a long-lost balance in broadcast journalism.

“We need a media that’s willing to speak the truth, even when it’s unpopular,” Musk allegedly told one interviewer. “Tucker understands that. He’s not afraid to confront the real issues that matter to everyday Americans.”

While this announcement remains unconfirmed by ABC, Disney, or Musk himself, insiders say early-stage talks are underway. If successful, the deal could mark one of the most dramatic takeovers in American media history—and one with serious consequences for the future of journalism and public discourse.

A Cultural Crusade Disguised as a Business Deal?

Musk has long positioned himself as a critic of what he sees as the stifling effect of political correctness and “wokeness” on both media and society. Since acquiring Twitter (now rebranded as X) in 2022, he has emphasized free speech and taken a strong stance against what he calls censorship by the “mainstream media elite.” His rumored pursuit of ABC appears to follow a similar blueprint.

In this case, the stakes are arguably higher. ABC is one of the oldest and most trusted names in American television, with deep roots in nightly news, primetime programming, and nationwide affiliates. Its parent company, Disney, has recently come under fire from conservatives for its public stances on progressive social issues—making it a prime target for a cultural reset.

By bringing in Tucker Carlson, Musk would be signaling an aggressive pivot. Carlson, known for his unfiltered monologues and hardline conservative views, was ousted from Fox News in 2023 after a series of controversies and legal disputes involving the network. Since then, he has remained in the public spotlight, launching his own digital show and continuing to criticize both the left and the media industry that he claims is biased against conservative perspectives.

To many on the right, Carlson represents a voice of truth in a media world they view as slanted. To others, he is a deeply polarizing figure whose rhetoric often fans the flames of division.

What “De-Woke-ifying” ABC Could Look Like

The term “woke” has evolved from its origins in social justice movements to a buzzword used—often disparagingly—by conservatives to describe progressive ideals around race, gender, and identity. Musk, like Carlson, has made no secret of his disdain for the concept, frequently tweeting criticism of corporate diversity initiatives, inclusive language guidelines, and left-leaning news narratives.

If Musk takes control of ABC, industry analysts expect a sweeping overhaul of its programming and leadership. Carlson’s appointment as CEO would likely lead to editorial changes across the board—from daytime news to scripted shows—aimed at infusing what Musk and his allies might call “authentic, unapologetic storytelling.”

A source close to Musk said the reimagined ABC would emphasize “objectivity, transparency, and free speech,” moving away from what they claim is the groupthink mentality dominating legacy media.

However, such changes would not be without backlash. Critics argue that this “anti-woke” crusade is less about objectivity and more about replacing one ideological slant with another. By shifting ABC sharply to the right, some fear the network would become a conservative echo chamber, further fragmenting an already polarized media environment.

“Turning ABC into a platform for Tucker Carlson is like asking a wildfire to restore the forest,” one media critic quipped online. “This isn’t about balance—it’s about dominance.”

Tucker Carlson’s Second Act

For Carlson, the prospect of leading ABC would mark a remarkable comeback. Once Fox News’ highest-rated host, he was abruptly let go in the aftermath of multiple lawsuits, including Dominion Voting System’s defamation case against the network. Despite his controversies, Carlson has retained a massive and loyal following.

His post-Fox ventures, including a Twitter-based show and rumored independent media company, signal his desire to stay relevant and influential. A leadership role at ABC would not only return him to primetime—it would put him in charge of shaping the very narratives he once railed against.

Sources suggest that Carlson’s focus, if appointed CEO, would be on returning to “traditional values” in storytelling, resisting activist pressure in newsroom decisions, and re-centering “the concerns of middle America” in network programming.

The Political and Financial Fallout

Reactions to the possible takeover have been swift and polarized. Conservative media figures have praised the move as a much-needed disruption of liberal dominance in broadcast journalism. Progressive voices, meanwhile, see it as a dangerous consolidation of power and ideology under a billionaire with increasingly political motivations.

On social media, hashtags like #MuskBuysABC and #TuckerTakeover began trending within hours of the news breaking, with users either celebrating or condemning the idea.

From a business standpoint, Musk’s ability to acquire ABC is not in question. With a net worth that still ranks among the highest in the world, he has a track record of securing funding for ambitious ventures—from electric cars to commercial space travel. Analysts estimate that acquiring ABC would cost tens of billions, especially as it remains a vital part of Disney’s media holdings, but Musk has shown that no price is too high when he’s aiming to disrupt a sector.

Still, many question whether Disney would be willing to sell. ABC remains a cornerstone of its domestic media strategy, despite declining cable viewership across the industry.

A Larger Battle Over Media Control

If Musk succeeds in buying ABC, it would mark a significant consolidation of media power. Already the owner of Twitter/X and a commanding presence in the tech world, Musk would control two of the most influential platforms in public discourse. That level of influence would rival traditional media conglomerates and elevate him to a position of unmatched reach over American minds and culture.

The move also reignites the ongoing debate about the role of tech moguls in media. Figures like Jeff Bezos (who owns The Washington Post) and Rupert Murdoch (Fox News) have long wielded dual influence in business and journalism. But Musk’s open hostility toward traditional media and his willingness to challenge established norms suggest that his ambitions go beyond profit or prestige.

He appears to see himself as a cultural warrior—someone who must “rescue” public discourse from what he views as ideological capture.

What Comes Next?

As of now, Disney has not commented on the reported discussions, and Musk has not confirmed the rumors publicly. Tucker Carlson has also remained silent. But media insiders are watching closely.

If the deal goes through, the ramifications would be immediate and far-reaching. It could embolden other billionaires to challenge traditional media institutions. It could force rival networks to rethink their editorial strategies. And it could accelerate the trend toward ideologically siloed news ecosystems—where Americans increasingly consume content that aligns with their beliefs rather than challenges them.

Whether this will bring balance to the media—or push it further toward ideological extremes—remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: Elon Musk is not content to be a passive consumer of media. He wants to rewrite it.