Who Could Buy TikTok to Avoid a Ban? Elon Musk Emerges as a Possible Contender
As the January 19 deadline approaches, approximately 170 million American TikTok users anxiously await news of the app’s fate. With the looming possibility of a U.S. ban, speculation is growing about potential buyers for TikTok’s U.S. operations. Among the latest names floated is Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
The ban on TikTok stems from concerns that its Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, may share user data with the Chinese government or manipulate content. Citing national security risks, President Joe Biden signed a “sell-or-ban” bill in April 2024, which Congress approved. ByteDance has since challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, but indications suggest the court may uphold the ban.
Should ByteDance fail to sell TikTok’s U.S. assets by January 19, the app could be banned. Biden could, however, delay the deadline by 90 days if he sees substantial progress toward a sale, as reported by Reuters. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to “save” TikTok, seeking time to pursue a political resolution.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, Chinese officials have discussed the possibility of Musk taking over TikTok’s U.S. operations as a contingency plan. Musk’s close ties with Chinese officials and his history of collaboration with the country make him a plausible candidate. Analysts believe that Musk’s alliance with Trump could further strengthen his position, given Trump’s support for Musk’s leadership in other government initiatives.
Wedbush Securities’ managing director Dan Ives noted in a recent report that Musk could be one of several options ByteDance is considering as the January 19 deadline nears. “This is not a surprising move, given Musk’s strong relationships in both the U.S. and China,” Ives said.
Elon Musk isn’t the only name in the mix. Several other high-profile individuals and companies have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations:
The future of TikTok in the U.S. extends beyond the app itself. The situation underscores broader tensions between the U.S. and China, especially as key tariff negotiations approach under the incoming Trump administration. “Resolving the TikTok issue is more than just a tech matter—it’s a geopolitical flashpoint,” Ives said.
