The race to own TikTok is heating up, with several U.S. buyers expressing interest in the social media giant. As political pressure mounts, high-profile names are stepping forward, including Elon Musk, Jimmy Donaldson (better known as MrBeast), and Larry Ellison.
MrBeast’s Enthusiastic Bid
Jimmy Donaldson, famous as MrBeast, surprised his millions of TikTok followers by announcing his bid to buy the platform.
“I might become your new CEO! I’m super excited!” Donaldson said from a private jet. He promised $10,000 to five new followers. The post, viewed over 73 million times since Monday, sparked speculation. While Donaldson shared no details about his bid, he teased, “Just know, it’s gonna be crazy.”
Donaldson is one of several suitors vying to purchase TikTok, which has become a centerpiece of U.S. political drama. Concerns about TikTok’s ties to China and national security risks have fueled efforts to force a sale.
Last year, President Joe Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the platform by January 19 or face a U.S. ban. Former President Donald Trump also floated a joint-ownership idea, suggesting the U.S. hold a 50% stake in TikTok. “This keeps TikTok safe and in good hands,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Elon Musk and Larry Ellison: Big Names in the Mix
Elon Musk, already a prominent tech mogul and owner of X (formerly Twitter), is reportedly a potential buyer. Bloomberg revealed that China might consider selling TikTok to Musk, a close Trump ally. Musk expressed concerns about TikTok’s U.S.-China dynamics, stating, “The current situation where TikTok operates in America but X is banned in China is unbalanced.”
When asked about Musk as a buyer, Trump responded positively. “I would be if he wanted to buy it,” Trump said, adding, “I’d like Larry to buy it, too.” Larry Ellison, Oracle’s chairman and a long-time Trump supporter, is another contender. Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s data on its servers, previously warned that a TikTok ban could harm its business. In 2020, Oracle was a leading bidder when Trump first sought to ban the platform.
Other Interested Buyers and the Political Angle
Billionaire Frank McCourt has also expressed interest. McCourt envisions TikTok running on technology overseen by his Project Liberty Institute, which advocates for data privacy. However, McCourt’s bid excludes TikTok’s proprietary algorithm, which could lower the platform’s value.
The final decision on TikTok’s future might hinge on political influence. Experts like Georgetown professor Anupam Chander believe Trump’s preferences could sway the outcome. Chander criticized the Biden administration for granting the president such control, calling it “a terrible idea” that plunged TikTok into a political firestorm.
For now, TikTok’s future remains uncertain, with its potential new owners vying for the chance to reshape the platform.