Elon Musk's reply to Donald Trump Jr's idea of buying MSNBC sends Internet into frenzy

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Big changes are on the horizon for Comcast, and everyone’s wondering what it means for MSNBC. The company announced a major reorganization, moving cable news brands like MSNBC and CNBC into a new entity temporarily named SpinCo.

Naturally, the announcement sparked speculation about what this means for the progressive network’s future, and some of the chatter was downright hilarious.

Donald Trump Jr's has 'funniest idea' for Elon Musk

When the news hit, many on social media jumped on the idea that MSNBC might be on the auction block. Among them was Donald Trump Jr, who couldn’t resist poking fun considering his father's rollercoaster relationship with the network.

On Friday, he joked that Tesla CEO Elon Musk should buy the network — calling it “the funniest idea.”

Elon responded by simply asking, “How much does it cost?”—a throwback to his notorious 2017 tweet asking the same question about buying Twitter, years before he bought it for $44 billion.

Trump Jr kept the banter going, taking a jab at MSNBC’s ratings: “I mean, it can’t be much. Look at the ratings.”

Let’s be real—streaming has completely changed the game. Legacy cable networks like MSNBC are feeling the heat with viewership steadily declining. According to the Associated Press, MSNBC’s ratings have taken a nosedive since Donald Trump’s election win. But Comcast insists that neither MSNBC nor CNBC are up for sale.

According to them, the reorganization isn’t about selling but about strategy. SpinCo will focus on cable networks like MSNBC, CNBC, and even The Golf Channel, while NBC News remains under Comcast’s direct control. Still, with MSNBC’s ratings dipping 40% compared to last year, the network is facing some tough questions about its future.

One of the big unknowns is whether MSNBC will even keep its name. The network shares office space with NBC News at Rockefeller Center, but Chairman of NBCUniversal Mark Lazarus hinted that changes might be on the way.

A moment of reckoning? 

And let’s not forget the tension between MSNBC’s identity as a progressive network and NBC News’ push for impartiality. While MSNBC thrives on its liberal commentator lineup, some insiders think the echo chamber effect is a problem.

“We were so Harris propaganda that when she lost, viewers were shocked,” one on-air commentator told The Ankler. “It turned into one giant circle j–k and echo chamber. If MSNBC wants to be of service to its viewers, they can’t keep them in fantasy land.”

The possibility of another Trump administration has some people at MSNBC on edge. Trump ally Steve Bannon issued a blunt warning on his radio show, telling MSNBC anchors and producers, “You better be worried. You better lawyer up.”

Meanwhile, one of the network’s biggest stars Rachel Maddow is reportedly taking a pay cut. The Ankler claims she renegotiated her $30 million-a-year deal to $25 million annually for the next five years. One executive put it bluntly: “This is a difficult time, and they needed to keep her. No one else can do what she does.”

What's more? 'Morning Joe' hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski revealed that they recently met with President-elect Trump at Mar-a-Lago. While they described the meeting as an attempt to “restart communications,” it’s sparked more questions about MSNBC’s relationship with Trump.

Elon Musk’s response steals show on social media

That said, Elon Musk’s cheeky “How much?” post set off a frenzy of reactions on social media.

"Alex Jones hosting would be the most entertaining outcome," one posted on X.

"Please buy it and put Tucker Carlson's show on primetime," another wrote.

"Please buy it just so you can fire Joy Reid," someone else wrote.

"Jen Psaki is about to hit the unemployment line," read a comment.

"They should be paying Elon to take it away, tbh," another chimed in.

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