From the “not this again” files, recent reports indicate that China is considering the option of selling TikTok’s U.S. operations to none other than Elon Musk.
A report by [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com./news/articles/2025-01-14/china-discusses-sale-of-tiktok-us-to-musk-as-one-possible-option) reveals that Chinese officials are “assessing” this choice as TikTok approaches a possible [ban in the U.S.](https://mashable.com/article/2025-tiktok-ban-deadline-president-trump). This ban, slated to take effect on January 19, has prompted TikTok to seek solutions, including legal challenges, though these efforts have yet to yield results. To circumvent the ban, ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, might have to divest its U.S. operations, as the Biden administration considers the app’s connections to Chinese state influence too significant to permit continued operation in the country.
Enter Musk. Bloomberg mentions that while Beijing officials “strongly prefer” keeping TikTok within ByteDance’s ownership, selling the U.S. segment to Musk is one of the alternatives being contemplated if no other solutions materialize. Musk could potentially merge TikTok into his X brand, which he took over in 2022 when it was still identified as Twitter.
However, it is crucial to recognize that this situation is still in its infancy. There’s no confirmation that any direct negotiations between Musk and ByteDance have taken place. Officially, the Chinese government only oversees ByteDance’s domestic unit, Douyin, and does not exercise direct authority over ByteDance’s international affairs.
Interestingly, Musk has voiced his opinion on the topic before. In April 2024, he tweeted that “TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform,” contending that such action would contradict the principles of free speech and expression. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump, who has recently cultivated a strong relationship with Musk, has also expressed his support for allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S., stating that he wants to “keep this sucker around.”
For Musk, obtaining TikTok could be a notable move, especially considering that his X platform has faced challenges since his $44 billion purchase in October 2022. X has experienced a [decline in its user base](https://mashable.com/article/elon-musk-x-declining-user-base-2025) and a sharp downturn in advertising revenue, prompting concerns regarding the platform’s sustainability. Whether a TikTok acquisition would follow a similarly tumultuous path remains to be seen, and it’s uncertain if the app would even be openly listed for sale. A behind-the-scenes arrangement between ByteDance and potential buyers like Musk appears more plausible.
Musk isn’t the only contender, however. Microsoft had previously tried to acquire TikTok during a comparable period of uncertainty but [failed](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-58719674). With TikTok’s future uncertain, it remains to be seen if Musk or another purchaser will emerge—or if ByteDance will discover an alternative method to navigate the U.S. ban.