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In a nutshell: The discussion over who might acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations is ongoing, but Elon Musk—who was once a leading candidate and had been suggested by Donald Trump—seems unlikely to add the platform to his collection of enterprises. Despite being the world’s wealthiest individual, Musk is not interested in buying the app, asserting that he prefers to “build companies from scratch.” This news has been positively received by another interested buyer, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast.
In January, reports emerged that the Chinese government was considering selling TikTok’s U.S. assets to Musk. The leader of DOGE has maintained good relations with China, having complimented the country multiple times. Additionally, the Tesla factory in Shanghai earns him considerable goodwill from Chinese officials.
Donald Trump’s indication that he was amenable to either Musk or Oracle chief Larry Ellison purchasing TikTok suggested a possibility that the app could join Musk’s portfolio alongside X. However, it has been revealed that Musk himself is uninterested in acquiring TikTok.
Comments made by Musk were made public on Saturday by The WELT Group, part of the German media company Axel Springer SE, which hosted an economic summit in late January where Musk was present.
“I have not put in a bid for TikTok,” stated Musk. “I’m not eager to acquire TikTok, as I generally do not acquire companies; it’s quite rare,” he elaborated. “I usually build companies from scratch.”
Musk further clarified that he does not personally use TikTok and is unfamiliar with its format.
Musk’s assertion that he typically does not acquire companies but builds them from scratch invites scrutiny due to his purchase of Twitter, now X, for $44 billion in October 2022.
Musk likened buying Twitter to a hypothetical TikTok purchase by explaining that he bought Twitter to “preserve freedom of speech.” He isn’t sure if the same rationale would apply to TikTok, as the only motivation for its acquisition would be financial, in his view.
In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the 𝕏 platform.
Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 19, 2024
Earlier in January, Musk expressed opposition to bans on TikTok, stating they contradict freedom of speech. He also noted the current imbalance, with TikTok operating in the U.S. while X is prohibited in China, highlighting the need for change.
YouTube and Amazon star MrBeast is reportedly considering purchasing TikTok as part of an investment group headed by Jesse Tinsley, the founder and CEO of Employer.com. MrBeast responded to news about Musk stepping back from the acquisition candidly with one word: “Phew.”
Phew
– MrBeast (@MrBeast) February 8, 2025
The future of TikTok in the United States is still uncertain. Although Trump has issued an executive order delaying its ban, which arises from the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, by 75 days to April 4, 2025, the app remains unavailable on the U.S. Apple and Google stores.
