In a surprising move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that tech billionaires Elon Musk or Larry Ellison could buy TikTok. This idea was brought up during a White House event focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and private sector partnerships. Trump’s statement has sparked discussions about the future of TikTok in the U.S. and its impact on security, business, and global relations.
TikTok’s Ongoing Struggles
TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has faced scrutiny over data privacy and national security risks. U.S. lawmakers worry that the app could share user data with the Chinese government or be used to influence American politics and culture. Due to these concerns, the Trump administration had previously issued an executive order threatening to ban TikTok unless its U.S. operations were sold to an American company.
Trump’s Proposal
Trump suggested that either Elon Musk or Larry Ellison could be potential buyers for TikTok’s U.S. operations. He also floated the idea of the U.S. government owning a 50% stake in the company to maintain national control over the platform. This approach aims to address security concerns while ensuring TikTok remains available to American users.
When asked about Musk, Trump stated, “I would be open to it if he wanted to buy it, yes.” He also mentioned Ellison and even suggested that the deal could be negotiated publicly to maintain transparency.
Why Musk and Ellison?
Trump’s mention of Musk and Ellison was not random. Musk is known for his success with Tesla and SpaceX, showing he has the vision and financial power to take over TikTok. On the other hand, Ellison, the founder of Oracle, has deep expertise in data security and cloud computing, which could help address privacy concerns. Additionally, Oracle was previously in talks to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, making Ellison a strong candidate.
What Could Happen Next?
If Musk or Ellison were to acquire TikTok, it could bring several benefits. Data security might improve, as the app would operate under U.S. regulations. The deal could also create new jobs in technology and content moderation while giving users confidence in TikTok’s future.
However, challenges remain. The acquisition would need approval from multiple U.S. regulatory agencies, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Additionally, negotiations between the U.S. and China could prove difficult, as ByteDance may not agree to a sale. There is also concern about keeping TikTok’s global appeal while addressing security risks in the U.S.
Final Thoughts
The idea of Musk or Ellison acquiring TikTok adds a new twist to the ongoing debate over the app’s future in the U.S. While the deal could solve security concerns, it also presents challenges, including regulatory approvals and international negotiations. For now, the fate of TikTok remains uncertain, but this development ensures that the discussion will continue to evolve in the coming months.