Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump expressed openness to the idea of his associates Elon Musk or Larry Ellison purchasing TikTok during a recent press conference. The discussion took place as Trump, accompanied by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, SoftBank CEO Masa Son, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, announced a significant $500 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
During the press conference, Trump suggested a unique proposal, stating, “Buy it, and give half to the United States of America. Half, and we’ll give you the permit. And they’ll have a great partner, the United States.” Ellison, responding to Trump’s proposal, expressed his agreement, deeming it a favorable deal.
ByteDance, the China-based parent company of TikTok, has received several offers for the popular social media platform. Offers include bids from billionaire Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty and, most recently, from YouTube creator MrBeast. The latter’s investor group is seeking legal guidance from a team that reportedly includes the brother of Trump’s attorney general nominee.
As the press briefing concluded, a reporter inquired whether Trump had TikTok installed on his phone. Trump replied, “No, but I think I might put it there. I think I’ll get it right now.” This exchange highlights the ongoing interest and discussions surrounding the potential purchase and ownership of TikTok.
The involvement of prominent figures like Musk, Ellison, and MrBeast in the bid to acquire TikTok underscores the platform’s significant impact and value in the digital landscape. The negotiations and proposals put forth by various parties, including Trump’s unconventional suggestion, demonstrate the complexity and competitiveness of the process.
Overall, the potential acquisition of TikTok continues to draw attention and speculation as multiple parties vie for ownership, each presenting unique proposals and alliances. The outcome of these negotiations will inevitably shape the future of TikTok and its presence in the social media sphere, influencing millions of users worldwide.