In a surprise livestream aired earlier today on X (formerly Twitter), political commentator Karoline Leavitt and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk issued a joint statement alleging that ABC’s daytime program The View routinely promotes politically skewed content through what they describe as “editorial coordination” and “message manipulation.”

The announcement was unexpected, brief, and pointed—but it sent immediate ripples through the media and political establishment.

“This isn’t just about a TV show,” Leavitt said during the broadcast. “It’s about how narratives are carefully shaped and presented to millions of Americans who believe they’re watching open dialogue.”

Leavitt, who served as a former White House press official under President Donald Trump, has become increasingly vocal about perceived media bias, especially in mainstream programming. Musk, who acquired the X platform in 2022 and has since used it as a venue to promote transparency and open discourse, supported her claims during the broadcast.

“We’re simply putting the spotlight on something millions of Americans have already sensed,” Musk said. “A large part of media today has moved away from journalism and toward curation—framing stories in ways that serve ideological interests.”

What Prompted the Remarks?
The livestream came after what sources close to Leavitt describe as a months-long review of public clips, editorial notes, and testimonies from individuals affiliated with production studios. While no internal ABC documents were shown during the livestream, Leavitt referenced communications—reportedly shared with her team—that point to pre-planned segments, coordinated political discussions, and selective guest vetting.

“We were told the public deserves to see the full context of how some of these media operations work,” she added. “The View was simply the clearest example of that process.”

Leavitt không nêu tên nhân viên hoặc nhà sản xuất cụ thể nhưng khẳng định chương trình thường xuyên sử dụng lại các điểm thảo luận “được chấp thuận theo chủ đề” nhằm củng cố các câu chuyện ưa thích và gạt bỏ các quan điểm bất đồng.

ABC has not responded to requests for comment as of this writing.

Industry Reactions: Division and Debate
The broadcast triggered immediate reaction on social media. Within an hour, hashtags including #TheViewResponse and #MediaTransparency began trending, with responses breaking sharply along ideological lines.

Supporters of Leavitt and Musk applauded the segment as a necessary pushback against what they see as a long-standing imbalance in political discourse.

“You don’t have to agree with their politics,” said media analyst Jordan Kline, “to recognize that much of modern television leans heavily into curated content. What they’re raising here isn’t new—it’s just being said louder.”

Others, however, were quick to criticize the move.

“This feels more like political theater than media accountability,” said Kara Dunlevy, a journalist and contributor for The Atlantic. “If they have hard evidence, they should present it. Otherwise, this becomes another partisan moment that adds heat, not light.”

The View: A Longtime Lightning Rod
Since its debut in 1997, The View has become one of the most-watched daytime programs on U.S. television. Known for its panel of rotating hosts—including Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and others—the show often mixes celebrity interviews with heated political commentary.

In recent years, it has faced both praise and criticism for its outspoken tone, particularly regarding the Trump administration, conservative lawmakers, and Republican figures more broadly.

While the program has historically invited voices from across the spectrum, critics—including Leavitt—argue that dissenting perspectives are often marginalized or set up for confrontation.

Musk’s Role and Ongoing Media Reform Push
This is not Musk’s first foray into media criticism. Since purchasing X, he has frequently taken aim at what he calls “legacy media,” accusing major networks and outlets of prioritizing narrative framing over objective reporting.

Under Musk’s leadership, the platform has added features like “Community Notes,” designed to crowdsource context and fact-check claims in real time. He has also promoted citizen journalism and independent reporting as counterweights to traditional outlets.

During the livestream, Musk emphasized that the purpose of the critique was not to cancel or shut downThe View, but to raise awareness about editorial standards and transparency.

“People can keep watching whatever they want,” he said. “We’re just advocating for informed audiences who know the difference between opinion, entertainment, and journalism.”

Political Implications: A Message to Voters?
Some analysts believe the timing of the livestream—mere months ahead of a contentious 2024 election season—is no accident.

Leavitt is widely expected to take a senior communications role in a potential second Trump campaign or administration. Her appearance with Musk, whose platform reaches millions of politically active users, may signal a broader strategy to mobilize skepticism toward mainstream media among undecided voters.

“There’s a clear messaging goal here,” said media professor Daniel Lee at Northwestern University. “It’s to cast doubt on traditional news sources and drive engagement toward alternative platforms. Whether that’s dangerous or necessary depends on your view of the media status quo.”

ABC Yet to Respond
As of now, The View has not commented directly on the livestream. Behind the scenes, however, multiple sources familiar with the matter confirmed that legal teams within ABC are reviewing the statements made and assessing whether any response is necessary.

“We are taking the claims seriously,” one internal source noted anonymously, “but we also recognize the highly charged political context in which they were made.”

What Comes Next?
Whether this moment becomes a turning point or simply another skirmish in the ongoing media wars remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Musk and Leavitt have successfully inserted The View—and by extension, media transparency—back into the national conversation.
In a country increasingly divided over who controls the narrative, even a 20-minute stream can shift momentum.

As Americans approach another election cycle, with information flying faster than ever before, the question is no longer just what we watch—but why we believe what we’re shown.