In a post on X, Musk justified the acquisition of ABC as a step toward “rebalancing the media narrative” and promised to overhaul the network’s programming to reflect what he considers “truth and transparency.”

May be an image of 3 people and text that says 'አለሐ THE VIE'

The cancellation of The View, a show known for its political and cultural debates, was seen as a direct response to criticism from Robert De Niro and to the progressive views of hosts like Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar. Without mentioning De Niro directly, Musk wrote on X: “The days of the partisan pulpit are over.”

The move sparked backlash. Musk supporters celebrated the decision, arguing that The View promoted a divisive agenda. However, critics—including former ABC executives and press freedom advocates—called the move an attack on free speech. Hashtags like #SaveTheView and #MuskCensorship trended on social media, reflecting the polarization. Goldberg, in a statement, lamented the cancellation, saying: “This show gave a voice to millions of people, and we will not be silenced so easily.”

The ABC acquisition adds to Musk’s broader strategy to influence the media, following his purchase of X Corp. Analysts suggest the deal aims to consolidate his control over public narratives, especially after his recent clash with Trump. Meanwhile, De Niro, at an event in New York, doubled down on his criticism, calling Musk “a danger to freedom of expression.”

With The View off the air, the industry is watching closely to see Musk’s next moves at ABC. The controversy highlights the growing tensions between media moguls, news outlets, and public figures—leaving viewers wondering how the American media landscape will evolve.