It was something that was speculated about. I have seen zero evidence that Musk tried to lay the ground work (e.g. lining up the loans or selling enough stocks

It was something that was speculated about. I have seen zero evidence that Musk tried to lay the ground work (e.g. lining up the loans or selling enough stocks to finance such am attempt). This "journalist" doesn't qualify anything and makes a statement of fact that Musk mounted hostile takeover bid. That is simply bad reporting.