Is Elon Musk Buying TikTok? China Speaks Out

TikTok vehemently denies rumors of a potential sale to Elon Musk, as U.S.-China tensions escalate over the app’s future.

At a Glance

  • TikTok refutes reports of selling its U.S. operations to Elon Musk as “pure fiction”
  • A U.S. law set to take effect on Jan. 19 could ban TikTok unless ByteDance divests
  • President-elect Donald Trump requests Supreme Court to suspend the law for negotiation
  • Elon Musk opposes banning TikTok, citing free speech concerns
  • The Supreme Court is reviewing TikTok’s challenge to the law

TikTok Dismisses Sale Rumors

In a swift response to circulating reports, TikTok has categorically denied any plans to sell its U.S. operations to tech mogul Elon Musk. The popular video-sharing platform, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is facing increasing pressure from U.S. lawmakers over national security concerns. A TikTok spokesperson firmly stated, “We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction,” dismissing the rumors outright.

The denial comes in the wake of a Bloomberg report suggesting that Chinese officials were evaluating the possibility of Elon Musk acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations. This potential scenario would involve merging TikTok with Musk’s platform X, formerly known as Twitter. However, TikTok’s emphatic rejection of these claims has cast doubt on the veracity of such reports.

“Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok,” Bloomberg reported.

But talks about Musk buying Twitter were once scoffed at, too.

Legal Challenges and Political Maneuvering

The controversy surrounding TikTok’s ownership is set against a backdrop of complex legal and political challenges. A U.S. law, scheduled to take effect on January 19, could potentially ban TikTok unless ByteDance divests its stake in the app. This legislative move reflects growing concerns among U.S. officials about the app’s ties to China and potential data security risks.

In response to the impending ban, TikTok and ByteDance have mounted a legal challenge, arguing that the law violates First Amendment rights. However, early indications suggest that the Supreme Court justices may be more receptive to the government’s national security arguments. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for international tech companies operating in the United States.

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, President-elect Donald Trump has requested the Supreme Court to suspend the law to allow for a negotiated resolution – but that request was denied.

Trump, who has shown interest in “saving TikTok,” filed a brief with the Supreme Court seeking a delay in the law’s implementation. This move aligns with his broader strategy of continuing the trade war with China that began during his first term.

Elon Musk, a self-described “free speech absolutist” and ally of Trump, has expressed opposition to banning TikTok. Musk has argued that such a ban would be “contrary to freedom of speech and expression.” His stance on the issue adds another dimension to the ongoing debate about the balance between national security concerns and free speech rights.

As the January 19 deadline approaches, the future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain.