Several high-profile U.S. buyers have shown interest in acquiring TikTok, the popular social media platform at the center of political and national security debates. One of the most notable figures is Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, who has made waves with his bold bid.
MrBeast’s Surprising Bid for TikTok
Jimmy Donaldson, or MrBeast, made a surprising announcement about his bid to buy TikTok. In a video from a private jet, he told his millions of followers, “I might become your new CEO! I’m super excited!” He also promised $10,000 to five random new followers, a gesture that quickly went viral and garnered over 73 million views.
While Donaldson has kept the details of his bid a secret, he teased that it would be “crazy,” sparking widespread curiosity. He is one of several high-profile individuals showing interest in purchasing TikTok, which is facing political pressure and business challenges.
National Security Concerns Drive Sale Efforts
TikTok’s connections to the Chinese government have raised concerns in the U.S., prompting the government to take action. Last year, President Joe Biden signed a law requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform by January 19 or face a possible ban. This law cites national security risks and has made the sale more urgent.
Trump’s Proposal and Musk’s Interest
Former President Donald Trump has suggested a joint venture model, where the U.S. would hold a 50% stake in TikTok. He posted on Truth Social, saying this approach would allow TikTok to remain operational in the U.S. He also signed an executive order giving TikTok an extra 75 days to transition ownership.
Elon Musk, the CEO of X (formerly Twitter), has also been linked to a possible TikTok purchase. Bloomberg reported that China may consider selling the platform to Musk, who has criticized the imbalance of social media access between the U.S. and China. Trump has shown support for Musk’s bid and mentioned Oracle’s Larry Ellison as another potential buyer.
Ellison, Oracle, and McCourt Join the Race
Larry Ellison, a long-time Trump ally and the chairman of Oracle, is another key player in the discussion. Oracle already manages many of TikTok’s U.S. data centers. In 2020, Oracle bid to buy TikTok, warning that a ban could hurt its business.
Billionaire investor Frank McCourt has also expressed interest, proposing a bid that would exclude TikTok’s algorithm. McCourt, who is critical of social media’s data practices, envisions TikTok operating on technology managed by his Project Liberty Institute, which focuses on ethical data use.
Political Influence on TikTok’s Future
Experts believe political dynamics, especially Trump’s influence, will play a major role in determining TikTok’s future. Georgetown law professor Anupam Chander noted that the buyer will likely align politically with Trump, given his proposals and influence. Chander also criticized the Biden administration for giving the president too much control over TikTok’s fate, calling it a mistake to place such a large platform’s future amid political turmoil.
For now, TikTok’s future remains uncertain as political and business interests clash over its ownership.