A video of MSNBC host Rachel Maddow apparently breaking down live on air over Elon Musk’s meme about purchasing MSNBC has gone viral. However, the clip, which depicts Maddow tearing up over Musk’s meme, is an altered version of a broadcast from 2018.

The meme Musk shared depicted a humorous scenario with a priest labelled “Elon Musk trying not to buy” and an MSNBC logo over a woman’s figure, fuelling speculation about Musk buying the network.
The doctored video surfaced shortly after and claimed Maddow became emotional at the prospect of Musk purchasing MSNBC.
Some users seized the moment to mock Maddow, accusing her of being overly dramatic. Comments ranged from claiming she cried because “her cash cow was ending” to suggestions that Musk would “sack her” if he acquired the network.
Truth behind the clip
Contrary to claims, the video is not genuine. The original footage dates back to 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.
Speculations around MSNBC’s future
The viral meme and video emerged amidst rumours that Comcast, MSNBC’s parent company, might spin off its cable channels, including MSNBC and CNBC into a new company dubbed “SpinCo.” Musk’s meme playfully hinted at buying MSNBC, which some critics interpreted as a jab at the network’s declining ratings and future uncertainty.
Although Musk joked about buying the platform, much like he did before purchasing Twitter (now X), there has been no formal confirmation of such plans.
Adding to the buzz, podcaster Joe Rogan jokingly offered to take Rachel Maddow’s job if Musk purchased MSNBC, promising to wear her signature glasses and outfit while “telling the same lies.”
Musk humorously replied with “Deal.”

Similarly, Donald Trump Jr. teased Musk on X, suggesting he buy MSNBC, to which Musk playfully responded, “How much does it cost?”