Chinese officials are reportedly weighing the option of selling TikTok to Elon Musk, according to Bloomberg. While Beijing would prefer that ByteDance retain control over the app’s U.S. operations, the impending ban set for January 19 has sparked urgency in finding a solution. With tensions surrounding the app’s future in the U.S., Chinese authorities are scrambling to consider potential alternatives before the deadline.
Selling TikTok to Musk?
Sources speaking with Bloomberg have revealed that Chinese officials are exploring contingency plans for TikTok, as part of broader discussions on how to navigate the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Trump plans to appoint Elon Musk to a role within his White House once he takes office later this month.
One scenario on the table involves Musk’s X acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations and merging them with its existing businesses. With over 170 million users in the U.S., TikTok could significantly enhance X’s efforts to attract advertisers. Additionally, Musk’s AI company, xAI, could benefit from the wealth of data TikTok generates.
It seems that ByteDance may not have much influence over the final decision, according to Bloomberg. However, it’s still unclear whether Musk, TikTok, ByteDance, or any government officials have actually discussed such a deal.
Musk’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment, and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun declined to provide any input. Meanwhile, a ByteDance representative dismissed the idea, saying the company “can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction.”
The Chinese government controls ByteDance through a “golden share” and enforces export rules that prevent the sale of TikTok’s algorithms, a key issue in the controversy. TikTok’s U.S. operations valued at around $40 billion but splitting them presents a complex economic and geopolitical challenge. Donald Trump called for a delay in the ban to participate in negotiations for a potential solution.
