Sections of this topic
In this article, we’ll look at the reasons behind Tucker Carlson’s recent firing from Fox News and how this could be a warning sign for Elon Musk, as both have embraced similar Trump-like tactics and faced controversies in recent years.
Key Takeaways:
- Both Carlson and Musk have adopted Trump-like tactics, becoming defined by lies, cruelty, and conspiracy theories
- Both are facing lawsuits from women, signaling a reckoning on the horizon
- Musk’s Twitter Blue scheme and Carlson’s firing may signal an impending downfall for both
The Musk-Carlson Connection
Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson may appear to be quite different at first glance, but a deeper look reveals striking similarities between the two.
Born within two years of each other, both men come from wealthy backgrounds and grew up watching their affluent fathers enter the political sphere.
Musk’s father, Errol, was part-owner of an emerald mine, while Carlson’s father, Dick, was a journalist and diplomat.
With their elite upbringings, Musk and Carlson have amassed considerable wealth; Musk is a billionaire, while Carlson reportedly sits on over $30 million.
As both men faced legal challenges from women, they adopted similar tactics to those of former President Donald Trump.
Over the past six years, they transformed themselves into controversial figures, spreading conspiracy theories and engaging in cruel, divisive behavior.
While Carlson’s downfall came with his abrupt firing from Fox News, some argue that Musk may be heading for a similar fate.
This article delves into the rise of these two figures, their shared love for toxic populism, the consequences they now face, and their potential futures.
The Rise of Toxic Populism
Musk and Carlson’s paths began to converge as they adopted Trump-like strategies, remaking themselves as divisive, populist figures.
Their tactics included spreading outright lies and promoting conspiracy theories, often appearing untouchable within their conservative bubbles.
They cultivated an air of invincibility, gaining support from millions of followers who considered them infallible.
However, their strategies have begun to show signs of weakness. Musk’s unpopular Twitter Blue scheme and the firing of Carlson from Fox News serve as warnings that their strategies may not be sustainable.
The right-wing outrage machine they joined offers little job security and has a habit of consuming its own members.
Consequences for Both Carlson and Musk
Carlson’s firing from Fox News came as a shock to many.
The once-relatively tame conservative commentator transformed into a controversial figure, becoming what some called the “most racist show in the history of cable news.”
His support for a coup attempt and promotion of conspiracy theories proved too much for the network, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
On the other hand, Musk’s rightward drift occurred more slowly, as the former environmentalist darling shifted towards Trumpian trolling and lies.
His controversial tweets and actions, such as calling for increased fossil fuel production and proposing a Kremlin-backed peace plan for Ukraine, led to increased scrutiny and criticism.
With his purchase of Twitter, Musk aligned himself with Carlson on the conspiracy theory front, furthering their connection.
While both men have faced setbacks, their ardent followers continue to defend them. However, consequences have begun to emerge.
For Carlson, his firing from Fox News signals a turning point, while Musk faces potential consequences as well, including a massive FTC investigation and the ongoing exodus of advertisers from Twitter, which still represents the platform’s primary revenue source.
The Future for Carlson and Musk
Despite the consequences they face, it is unlikely that this is the end of the road for either Carlson or Musk. Carlson could follow in the footsteps of Glenn Beck and Bill O’Reilly, who found success with their own media platforms after leaving Fox News.
He could even consider running for president or founding his own social media network.
Musk, on the other hand, does not have a boss to answer to like Carlson.
Taking Twitter private and firing the board means he can continue to disregard critics and regulators for as long as he wishes.
However, it is clear that the conspiracy-theorizing, anti-woke crusading, and outrage-generating strategy that both men have employed has a limited lifespan.
As their downfalls seem to be occurring on a similar schedule, Musk might have another year before his moment of reckoning arrives.
He could learn from Carlson As their downfalls seem to be occurring on a similar schedule, Musk might have another year before his moment of reckoning arrives.
He could learn from Carlson’s experience and choose to pivot away from the toxic populism that has defined their recent trajectories.
Taking a step back, reassessing their public personas, and focusing on fostering unity rather than division could be beneficial for both their careers and public images.
In the wake of Carlson’s dismissal, Musk has an opportunity to reconsider his tactics and embrace a more responsible approach to public discourse.
By doing so, he could regain some of the credibility he has lost, reestablish trust with shareholders and users, and avoid a similar fate to that of Carlson.
Ultimately, the future for both Carlson and Musk remains uncertain.
However, the consequences they have faced as a result of their embrace of toxic populism serve as a warning to others in the public eye.
Whether they choose to heed this warning or continue down their current paths will determine their legacies and influence in the years to come.
