A U.S. federal law banning TikTok went into effect on January 19 after Chinese parent company ByteDance failed to divest its ownership of the popular video-sharing platform. President Donald Trump, in his return to the White House, issued an executive order delaying enforcement of the ban for 75 days to facilitate a resolution aimed at keeping TikTok operational in the United States.
Trump has suggested ByteDance and TikTok’s owners grant the U.S. government a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture to ensure the app’s continued legality. Analysts estimate TikTok’s valuation to be up to $50 billion, but whether ByteDance or the Chinese government would agree to such terms remains unclear.
Potential Buyers Emerge
Several parties have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, including YouTube star MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), Oracle founder Larry Ellison, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. MrBeast has aligned with a group of investors led by Employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley, who confirmed their bid for TikTok but has not disclosed the amount. Tinsley announced via social media that the proposal aims to keep TikTok “accessible, thriving, and aligned with American values.”
MrBeast’s involvement began humorously, with a January 13 tweet joking about buying TikTok. His remarks attracted significant attention from wealthy investors, prompting further discussions. According to a representative, while multiple discussions are ongoing, MrBeast has no exclusive agreements with any specific group.
Trump Responds to Speculation
In a press briefing, Trump indicated openness to Musk purchasing TikTok and voiced support for Ellison as a potential buyer. The investor consortium working with Tinsley has reportedly engaged high-profile legal representation, including Brad Bondi, brother of Pam Bondi, a former attorney general and Trump nominee.
Other Proposals
Several additional offers have surfaced. Project Liberty, led by billionaire Frank McCourt, proposes an acquisition that is compliant with U.S. law by abandoning ByteDance’s algorithm and implementing an American-developed technology stack. McCourt’s group includes figures such as Kevin O’Leary and Guggenheim Securities.
Meanwhile, artificial intelligence start-up Perplexity AI reportedly submitted a proposal on January 18 for a merger that would allow most of ByteDance’s current investors to retain their equity stakes, according to CNBC.
ByteDance’s Stance
Despite mounting interest, ByteDance has not signaled a willingness to sell TikTok’s U.S. business. The current law prohibits TikTok from operating within the U.S. if it continues using the algorithm controlled by ByteDance.
The situation remains fluid as ByteDance’s future decisions and the evolving U.S. government stance will likely determine TikTok’s fate in the country.