Introducing RedNote: Everything You Need to Know about the Popular App Emerging in Response to the TikTok Ban
Could Elon Musk Take the Lead at TikTok? Here’s Why It Could Make Sense
As the richest man in the world, Elon Musk is no stranger to high-profile ventures. With ownership of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, and a generous donation of over $250 million to Trump’s re-election campaign, Musk’s influence in the tech and political spheres is undeniable. This has led to speculation about his potential involvement in resolving the TikTok issue, especially after being named alongside businessman Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new task force on government efficiency by the Trump administration.
Reports suggest that Chinese officials have discussed contingency plans for a TikTok ban, prompting considerations on collaboration with the Trump administration. Musk’s positive relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his history of engagement with Chinese leaders further fuel these speculations. However, a TikTok representative dismissed the rumors surrounding Musk’s involvement as “pure fiction.”
With the looming deadline for a TikTok ban or divestment on January 19th, industry experts like Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities believe that Musk overseeing TikTok operations in the U.S. could be one of several potential strategies explored by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. Ives suggests that given Musk’s alliance with Trump and the ongoing discussions between the two, such a move would not be entirely surprising.
Elon Musk is just one of the many figures linked to a possible TikTok deal to circumvent the ban in the U.S. Other names in the mix include Frank McCourt, Kevin O’Leary, and YouTube sensation MrBeast. Each brings a unique perspective and approach to the table, with McCourt and O’Leary proposing to enhance user privacy and compensation for data sharing on TikTok.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen which candidate will ultimately take charge of TikTok in the U.S. Will it be Musk, McCourt, O’Leary, MrBeast, or someone else entirely? Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
After considering the various options, the decision was made. “Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned,” tweeted MrBeast on January 14, 2025.
Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, having reportedly engaged in discussions with ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming, as per The Wall Street Journal in 2024. Kotick’s involvement in the tech industry has been notable, especially during the trial in the northern district of California where he testified while the U.S. Federal Trade Commission sought to halt Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard on June 28, 2023.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has also been eyeing TikTok for some time. In 2020, amidst pressure from the Trump administration to ban TikTok, Walmart collaborated with Microsoft on a bid to purchase the platform’s U.S. operations. Despite this effort, a legal injunction obtained by ByteDance prevented the deal from progressing. Subsequently, McMillon hosted ByteDance’s founder in Bentonville, Arkansas in 2023, according to sources cited by The New York Post.
Microsoft, a significant player in the global tech industry, has also been linked to potential TikTok acquisitions. While the prospect of expanding its social media presence is appealing, the company’s previous bid faced regulatory scrutiny. Notably, former President Trump did not oppose the sale of TikTok during his first term. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been at the helm during these strategic moves.
The ongoing efforts to secure TikTok’s operations in the U.S. are seen as critical by industry experts like Wedbush Securities’ Ives. The stakes extend beyond TikTok’s fate, with U.S.-China relations playing a pivotal role in upcoming trade negotiations. The potential acquisition of TikTok by various entities underscores the complex dynamics at play in the tech and social media landscape.
As discussions continue and potential buyers emerge, the future of TikTok remains uncertain. Whether it be MrBeast, Bobby Kotick, Doug McMillon, or Microsoft, each potential buyer brings their own vision and strategy to the table. Amidst these developments, the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance, affecting not just the platform itself but also broader geopolitical considerations.
