Speculation surrounding potential buyers for TikTok intensified this month as the federal law prohibiting the popular social media app took effect, following failure by its parent company, ByteDance, to divest its stake. This law, which went live on January 19, raises serious questions about the platform's future and the urgency for new ownership structures. President Trump, embarking back on the political scene, has emerged as a prominent voice advocating for keeping TikTok operational.
Trump’s administration has been vocal about needing immediate solutions to prevent the app from going dark for American users. On his first day back, he ordered attorneys to delay enforcement of the law for 75 days, giving breathing room as he looks for ways to preserve TikTok's U.S. presence. "SAVE TIKTOK!" Trump posted on Truth Social on January 19, sparking conversations about possible compromises moving forward.
Among the interested parties are some high-profile figures. Elon Musk, the tech billionaire with deep ties to various industries, is being considered alongside MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison. Trump signaled openness to these potential buyers during recent White House briefings, stating, "I’d like Larry to buy it, too," showing support for Ellison’s possible bid.
MrBeast has garnered significant attention due to his prominence on social media, being the most-followed YouTube creator. He recently expressed interest as part of a strategic partnership with Employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley. Tinsley's group is awaiting feedback from ByteDance about their bid, which they hope will keep TikTok thriving. "Now, we’re awaiting a response from ByteDance’s board," Tinsley laments. MrBeast initially made headlines jokingly stating, "Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned," only to later reveal serious discussions were taking place. That message reached thousands on his social media, sparking excitement and curiosity about the platform's future.
Yet the situation remains complex, as many speculate whether ByteDance or the Chinese government is willing to yield ownership to American entities. Trump's proposal of the U.S. government holding a 50% stake indicates the delicate balance missing from the discussions. Skeptics, including legal experts, suggest Trump’s executive order might not fully shield TikTok from the $850 billion fines if tech partners contravene the law.
Adding to the mix are proposals like those from Project Liberty, led by former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, which claims to offer solutions compliant with the new legal framework. Their bid has garnered support from notable investors including "Shark Tank" star Kevin O’Leary. McCourt stated, "Project Liberty’s bid is the only solution on the table..." underscoring the importance of sticking to American-made technology for TikTok’s future operations.
Meanwhile, on January 18, Perplexity AI entered the fray, proposing to merge with TikTok, allowing ByteDance stakeholders to retain some equity. This offers another route to safeguard the app’s interests without fully cutting ties, which is appealing for many involved, but indistinct on how it would address national security concerns raised by Congress.
With multiple potential buyers and solutions being presented, the stakes surrounding TikTok’s future could not be higher. Legal uncertainties, public interest, and national security concerns create pressure on stakeholders. The world watches closely as one question echoes: Will TikTok survive the U.S. legal storm, or is its time running out?