The Unfolding Saga of TikTok’s Ownership

TikTok, the globally popular short-form video platform, continues to dominate headlines as questions about its ownership, data security, and links to the Chinese government intensify. With growing political pressure in the United States, high-profile suitors—ranging from billionaires like Elon Musk and Larry Ellison to internet stars like Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast—have expressed interest in acquiring the platform. At the heart of the matter lies a mix of legal battles, political maneuvering, and the social media app’s cultural dominance.

MrBeast’s Surprise Bid
Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, a YouTube titan known for his massive giveaways and viral stunts, shocked his tens of millions of TikTok followers this week by announcing his interest in buying the platform. Speaking from a private jet, he exclaimed, “I might become you guys’ new CEO! I’m super excited!” Donaldson followed the announcement with a promise to give $10,000 to five random new followers.

The post, which has been viewed more than 73 million times, has sparked widespread speculation. While Donaldson declined to share details about his bid, he hinted that it would be “crazy.” His interest adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga, showing how influential internet creators are now entering the realm of high-stakes business deals.

A Growing List of Suitors
MrBeast is not the only figure eyeing TikTok. The platform’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, has faced escalating pressure to sell its U.S. operations due to national security concerns. In 2022, President Joe Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a potential ban in the United States. The law gave the company a deadline of January 19, 2024, to comply.

Billionaire Elon Musk, known for owning Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has also been floated as a potential buyer. Reports earlier this month indicated that China might be considering a sale to Musk. While Musk has publicly opposed a TikTok ban, he expressed concerns about the disparity between TikTok’s access to the U.S. market and the lack of access for X in China. “The current situation is unbalanced,” Musk wrote, suggesting that change is necessary.

Trump’s Role and the 50-50 Proposal
Former President Donald Trump has also entered the conversation, suggesting a joint venture where the U.S. government would hold a 50% ownership stake in TikTok. Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, “By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay operational.”

At a press conference, Trump stated he would be open to Musk buying TikTok, adding that he’d also support Oracle chairman Larry Ellison as a potential buyer. Ellison, a long-time Trump ally, previously bid for TikTok in 2020 when Trump first attempted to ban the app. Oracle remains a key player, as it manages many of TikTok’s U.S. data centers, hosting billions of videos and user files.

Other Contenders Enter the Scene
Billionaire Frank McCourt has also thrown his hat in the ring, proposing a vision for TikTok that departs from its current model. McCourt, who founded the Project Liberty Institute, advocates for a version of TikTok that does not rely on its proprietary Chinese algorithm. “We’re not interested in the algorithm or the Chinese technology,” McCourt said in a recent interview, even as he admitted that TikTok would lose some value without it.

McCourt has criticized social media platforms for their data collection practices, arguing that users deserve greater control over their information. His Project Liberty Institute would use decentralized technology to address these issues, offering a unique—albeit controversial—alternative to the current TikTok framework.

The Political Maelstrom
TikTok’s future is deeply entangled with U.S. politics. Georgetown University law professor Anupam Chander noted that President Trump, despite being out of office, remains a central figure in shaping the platform’s fate. According to Chander, “It’s going to be a winner that’s likely to be politically sympathetic to President Donald Trump.”

However, Chander also criticized the Biden administration for giving the president too much power over who can own TikTok. “It was a terrible idea to put the future of a massive information platform into this political maelstrom,” he said.

The Road Ahead
As the January 2025 deadline approaches, ByteDance, TikTok, and potential buyers must navigate a complex web of political and legal challenges. Whether TikTok will remain operational in the United States or transition to new ownership is still uncertain. High-profile figures like MrBeast, Musk, and Ellison only add to the intrigue, turning the acquisition drama into a global spectacle.

For now, TikTok continues to dominate the cultural landscape, engaging billions of users worldwide. Whether it will be MrBeast, Musk, or another contender who takes the reins, one thing is clear: TikTok’s journey is far from over.