Musk, MrBeast, Larry Ellison - Who might buy TikTok?

MrBeast Eyes TikTok Purchase Amidst Political Drama

In a surprising turn of events, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has expressed interest in purchasing TikTok, the wildly popular social media platform. Known for his viral challenges and massive giveaways, MrBeast shared his excitement with millions of TikTok followers, promising a new era for the platform if his bid succeeds.

MrBeast's Bold Bid

The internet mogul, who has amassed tens of millions of followers, took to TikTok to announce his potential purchase of the platform. In his post, which has garnered over 73 million views, Donaldson shared his enthusiasm, saying, "I might become you guys' new CEO! I'm super excited!" He even promised $10,000 to five random new followers, a move that drew significant attention to his bid. However, MrBeast did not provide further details on how his acquisition would unfold, only teasing that it would be "crazy."

The Political Pressure Behind the Sale

TikTok’s future in the United States has become a political hot potato, particularly due to concerns about its ties to China’s government. In 2023, then-President Joe Biden signed a law giving TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, until January 19 to sell the platform or face a potential ban. This legislation was part of a broader effort to mitigate national security risks tied to the app’s data collection practices.

While President Biden’s administration is navigating these complexities, former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind various potential buyers, including a 50% joint venture. Trump has suggested that the U.S. should hold a stake in TikTok to keep it "in good hands" while protecting its operations.

The Battle for Ownership: Other Key Players

As TikTok’s future remains uncertain, several high-profile figures have shown interest in acquiring the app. Elon Musk, who owns X (formerly Twitter), has long been critical of the situation where TikTok operates in the U.S. but X is blocked in China. Musk’s comments have sparked discussions about his potential involvement in the deal, though he also highlighted the need for a more balanced approach between the U.S. and China regarding social media platforms.

Larry Ellison, Oracle’s chairman and a close Trump ally, is another potential contender. Oracle is a key server provider for TikTok, and Ellison has previously shown interest in acquiring the app. Billionaire investor Frank McCourt has also entered the conversation, proposing a sale without TikTok’s proprietary algorithm, a point that would make the platform "worth less" but could appeal to those critical of TikTok’s data practices.

Political and Legal Hurdles

President Trump’s influence on the process is undeniable, with experts speculating that his political sympathies will shape the selection of TikTok’s buyer. According to Georgetown law professor Anupam Chander, the joint ownership model Trump proposed may not align with the law’s requirements, which could lead to political pressure on Congress to amend the legislation.

The entire situation has prompted criticism of the Biden administration, with Professor Chander noting that the decision to place the future of a major platform like TikTok in the hands of politics was a misstep. The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future leaves many questions unanswered for both users and investors alike.

Conclusion: What’s Next for TikTok?

The race to acquire TikTok is heating up, with numerous big names and even bigger stakes involved. While MrBeast’s enthusiastic bid has captured public attention, the political and legal complexities surrounding the platform’s ownership are far from resolved. For now, TikTok’s future remains in limbo, but one thing is certain: the outcome of this sale will have major implications for the global social media landscape.