Musk, MrBeast, Larry Ellison - Who might buy TikTok?
FEATUREDPOLITICS
Jimmy Donaldson, famously known as MrBeast, recently shared exciting news with his tens of millions of TikTok followers: he’s bidding to buy the platform.
“I might become your new CEO! I’m super excited!” Donaldson exclaimed while aboard a private jet. To add to the excitement, he promised $10,000 to five new followers, making the announcement even more electrifying.
The post, which has already racked up over 73 million views since Monday, left followers buzzing with anticipation. While Donaldson kept details of his bid under wraps, he teased: “Just know, it’s gonna be crazy.”
Donaldson is one of several high-profile figures eyeing TikTok, the wildly popular social media app caught in the middle of a high-stakes political debate in the United States.
TikTok in the Crosshairs
Last year, President Joe Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell the platform by January 19 or face a ban in the U.S. The law cited concerns over national security risks and TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government.
Former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of TikTok, recently suggested an alternative: a joint venture that would allow the U.S. to hold a 50% ownership stake.
“I’d like the United States to have a 50% ownership position,” Trump stated on Truth Social, adding that this approach would “save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to remain operational.”
Trump also issued an executive order extending TikTok’s operational deadline by 75 days.
Other Potential Buyers
TikTok’s future has drawn interest from a range of suitors. Bloomberg recently reported that China was considering selling TikTok to Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X (formerly Twitter). Musk has expressed frustration with the current imbalance, where TikTok operates in the U.S. while X is banned in China.
At a press conference, Trump hinted at his openness to Musk’s involvement, stating, “If he wanted to buy it, yes, I’d be open to that.” He also mentioned Oracle chairman Larry Ellison, a long-time ally, as another potential buyer. Oracle, which manages many of TikTok’s data centers, was a top contender to acquire the platform back in 2020.
Billionaire investor Frank McCourt has also thrown his hat in the ring. McCourt envisions TikTok running on technology overseen by his Project Liberty Institute, which focuses on ethical data practices. However, he has stated that his bid does not include TikTok’s proprietary algorithm, acknowledging that the platform’s value would be diminished without it.
Political Maneuvering
Ultimately, the decision on TikTok’s fate could rest with political leaders. Georgetown University law professor Anupam Chander believes any buyer will likely align with President Trump’s political interests.
Chander also criticized the Biden administration for granting the president significant control over TikTok’s ownership, calling it a “terrible idea” to place such a powerful platform in the middle of a political storm.
For now, TikTok’s future remains uncertain as the bidding war unfolds. What’s clear is that the platform’s fate will shape not just its users’ experience, but also the broader tech and political landscape.