In a stunning twist that has left news junkies and media insiders in shock, David Muir, the long-reigning anchor of ABC World News Tonight, has reportedly been fired by ABC. Yes, you heard that right. David Muir, the man whose nightly news presence could calm even the most chaotic of breaking news stories, is now unemployed and, as some sources suggest, completely blindsided by the sudden ousting.

While many are still trying to figure out why a network would part ways with one of its most recognizable faces, rumors are swirling about the true reasons behind Muir’s sudden dismissal. Was it his performance during the infamous 2024 presidential debate that sparked widespread controversy? Or has the “golden boy” of ABC simply lost his shine?

Let’s rewind a bit. Muir was riding high, perched atop the news throne as one of America’s most trusted anchors. His ratings were stellar, his jawline chiseled, and his reputation untarnished. But then came the 2024 presidential debate.

Moderating a debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris was always going to be a challenge. Sparks were bound to fly, and tension was guaranteed. But no one, including Muir himself, could have predicted the chaotic circus that unfolded on national television. Muir’s task of maintaining order between two political heavyweights was, to put it mildly, a complete disaster.

The debate quickly spiraled into an unscripted, unhinged back-and-forth where both candidates spoke over each other, ignoring Muir’s desperate attempts to keep things civil. His usually calm and collected demeanor cracked under the pressure, and by the end of the 90 minutes, Muir looked more like a deer in headlights than a seasoned journalist.

For many viewers, it was painful to watch. Social media lit up with memes and jokes about Muir’s lack of control, with one particularly brutal tweet reading: “David Muir’s moderating skills were as effective as a paper towel in a hurricane.” Ouch.

The public backlash was swift and unforgiving. Trump supporters accused Muir of being biased toward Harris, while Harris supporters slammed him for not pushing back harder against Trump’s endless barrage of interruptions. It was a lose-lose situation, and Muir was left to pick up the pieces.

In the aftermath of the debate, Muir reportedly believed he could weather the storm. After all, he had been with ABC for years, leading the network’s evening news and regularly topping the ratings charts. But it appears that ABC had other plans.

According to insiders, the network’s executives weren’t willing to let the debate disaster slide. In closed-door meetings, they allegedly voiced concerns that Muir’s performance had damaged ABC’s reputation and alienated viewers on both sides of the political spectrum. With mounting pressure and a tarnished image to repair, the decision was made to part ways with the once-unshakable anchor.

“David was caught off guard,” said one source close to the situation. “He thought he was untouchable. But after the debate, it became clear that ABC was ready to move on.”

ABC has yet to release an official statement confirming Muir’s departure, but the rumors are enough to send shockwaves through the media industry. After all, firing someone like David Muir is no small matter—he’s been the face of ABC News for nearly a decade, a steady presence during some of the most tumultuous moments in recent history.

Now that Muir is reportedly out of a job, the big question on everyone’s mind is: What’s next for him?

Some are speculating that Muir could make a move to cable news, perhaps joining CNN or MSNBC, where his suave presence and smooth delivery would fit right in. Others suggest he might pivot to digital platforms, following in the footsteps of other journalists who have embraced the new media landscape. Could we soon see The David Muir Show on YouTube, complete with dramatic pauses and well-timed side-eye?

But the most tantalizing rumor of all is that Muir could team up with none other than Elon Musk. Yes, you read that correctly. Musk’s rebranded social media platform, X, is reportedly looking to add a news division, and who better to lead it than a freshly unemployed David Muir? Imagine the possibilities: breaking news delivered straight to your feed, moderated by the man himself, with Musk tweeting commentary in real-time. It’s a dystopian dream come true.

For now, Muir has remained tight-lipped about his future plans. He’s been spotted on a “soul-searching” vacation in the Swiss Alps, likely contemplating whether to return to the news desk or disappear into the wilderness and write a memoir about surviving the 24-hour news cycle.

News of Muir’s reported firing has sent shockwaves through the industry, with many of his colleagues expressing disbelief at ABC’s decision.

“David Muir is a class act and a consummate professional,” tweeted Lester Holt, anchor of NBC Nightly News. “This is a huge loss for American journalism.”

Anderson Cooper echoed similar sentiments, tweeting, “David Muir’s firing makes no sense. He was one of the best in the business. Wishing him nothing but the best moving forward.”

Of course, not everyone is mourning Muir’s departure. Pundits on the right, who have long accused Muir of liberal bias, were quick to celebrate his downfall. “Good riddance!” tweeted one conservative commentator. “ABC finally did something right for a change.”

With Muir reportedly out of the picture, the spotlight now turns to ABC’s next move. The network will need to find a new anchor for World News Tonight, and speculation is already swirling about who will take over the coveted role.

Names like Cecilia Vega and Linsey Davis are being floated as potential candidates. Both are rising stars at ABC and have proven themselves as capable journalists. But filling Muir’s shoes won’t be easy—he’s been a staple of the network for so long that many viewers can’t imagine the evening news without him.

One thing is for sure: whoever takes over will be under immense pressure to repair ABC’s damaged reputation and steer the ship back on course. The network has already faced criticism for how it handled the debate, and now, with Muir’s departure, it finds itself at a crossroads.

Despite his reported firing, it’s hard to imagine David Muir staying off the air for long. After all, he’s been a fixture of American journalism for years, and his talents are undeniable. Whether he returns to television, launches his own media venture, or teams up with Elon Musk to bring the news to Mars, one thing is clear: Muir’s story isn’t over yet.

In the ever-evolving world of media, comebacks are always possible. And if there’s one thing we know about David Muir, it’s that he’s got the resilience—and the jawline—to make a dramatic return to the spotlight.