U.S. President Donald Trump expressed openness to billionaire Elon Musk purchasing TikTok on Tuesday, just days after signing an executive order delaying the enforcement of a federal ban on the app by 75 days.
The decision follows a contentious legal battle over the platform’s operations in the United States due to national security concerns linked to its Chinese owner, ByteDance.
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TikTok ban and Musk acquisition rumours
The popular short-video platform, with over 170 million American users, briefly went offline on January 19, 2025, as the enforcement of the ban loomed. U.S. officials have raised concerns about the potential misuse of user data by ByteDance, prompting the legislative move to either sell the platform to an American entity or face a ban.
During a press conference, Trump stated, “I would be open to the proposal if he [Musk] wanted to buy it. With a permit, it’s worth like a trillion dollars.” He suggested that any potential buyer, including Musk or Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, should share half of the purchase value with the U.S. government in exchange for approval to operate the app domestically.
However, reports that Musk was in preliminary talks to acquire TikTok were refuted by the platform. ByteDance has consistently denied claims of ongoing discussions with Musk, emphasising that no deal was on the table for the app’s acquisition. Despite these denials, Musk, who owns social media platform X, remains a speculative frontrunner if ByteDance decides to sell.
Read also: TikTok to ‘go dark’ for millions of Americans on Sunday
Implications of the TikTok ban
Trump recently signed an executive order granting a 75-day delay in enforcing the TikTok ban. This extension provides ByteDance additional time to address the government’s concerns or secure a buyer for the app.
The TikTok ban law, passed by Congress and signed by former President Joe Biden, aims to curb perceived risks of data misuse under foreign ownership. Free speech advocates have criticised the move, arguing that it infringes on First Amendment rights.
Trump’s executive order extends the timeline for compliance, potentially offering ByteDance additional time to find a resolution. The president’s support for TikTok comes amid his acknowledgement of its role in helping him secure the youth vote during the recent elections. “We won the youth vote by 36 points. So, I like TikTok,” he noted during a rally.
As the debate over TikTok’s future continues, the possibility of an American acquisition remains a focal point. Whether Musk, Ellison, or another entity steps in, the outcome will significantly shape the social media landscape in the U.S.