A video of MSNBC Host Rachel Maddow’s live on air tear down on Elon Musk’s meme about apparently buying MSNBC has gone viral. However, the clip, which features Maddow tearing up Musk’s meme is an altered version of the 2018 broadcast.
The meme shared by Musk featured a humorous scene with the MSNBC logo on a figure of a priest and a woman labeled “Elon Musk tries not to buy,” fueling speculation about Musk buying the network.
A doctored video surfaced shortly after and claimed that Maddow had become excited over the prospect of Musk buying MSNBC.
Some users used the moment to mock Maddow, accusing her of being overly dramatic. Comments ranged from claims she was crying because “her cash cow was running out” to suggestions that Musk would “fire her” if he acquired the network.
The truth behind the clip
Contrary to claims, the video is not genuine. The original footage is from 2018, when Maddow was reading a heartbreaking report about migrant children being separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border. The emotional moment had nothing to do with Musk or his memes.
Speculation surrounds the future of MSNBC
This viral meme and video came out amid rumours ComcastMSNBC’s parent company may spin off its cable channels, including MSNBC and CNBC, into a new company called “Spinco.” Musk’s meme playfully hinted at buying MSNBC, which some critics interpreted as a jab at the network’s declining ratings and uncertain future.
Although Musk has joked about buying the platform, as he did before buying Twitter (now X), there has been no formal confirmation of such plans.
Adding to the debate, podcaster Joe Rogan jokingly offered to hire Rachel Maddow if Musk bought MSNBC, promising to wear her signature glasses and outfit “while lying the same way.”
Musk humorously responded with a “deal.”
Similarly, Donald Trump Jr. teased Musk at X, suggesting he buy MSNBC, to which Musk playfully replied, “How much is that worth?”