Elon Musk Reportedly Considered For TikTok US Acquisition Amid National Security Concerns

Chinese officials are reportedly exploring the possibility of allowing Elon Musk to purchase TikTok’s U.S. operations as the Biden administration pushes for a divestment of the app. According to Bloomberg, sources suggest that Beijing is weighing this option if TikTok’s parent company ByteDance fails to comply with the U.S. government’s January 19 deadline.

The Biden administration has threatened to ban TikTok unless ByteDance sells its U.S. operations to an American company, citing national security risks. ByteDance has rejected this demand and is challenging the order in the Supreme Court, arguing that the forced sale violates its First Amendment rights.

Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X, is reportedly a potential buyer. His past opposition to online censorship has fueled speculation about his interest in acquiring TikTok, although ByteDance has refused to sell the algorithm that powers the app.

China’s government holds a “golden share” in ByteDance, raising concerns about potential state influence over TikTok. This has been a key argument for U.S. lawmakers demanding the app’s separation from its Chinese ownership.

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The Supreme Court heard arguments last week but has yet to rule on the case. With the January 19 deadline approaching, uncertainty looms over TikTok’s future in the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who once supported banning TikTok, has since shifted his stance and urged the Court to delay the ban.

As the deadline nears, it remains unclear whether ByteDance will sell, shut down U.S. operations, or face a ban. Whether Elon Musk will emerge as a serious contender in the acquisition also remains to be seen.