Elon Musk and TikTok? The App Denies It, But Could It Happen?

As the Supreme Court appears poised to uphold a U.S. law forcing the sale of the social media video platform TikTok, there is a scramble behind the scenes to figure out what to do with the app. Bytedance, the parent company behind it, says they’ll shut down the app in the U.S., while users across the country are upset it may have come to such an end.

However, there is a new report out suggesting that a certain billionaire tech mogul may be in the running to buy it – which will surely not go over well with the progressive left.

Elon Musk and TikTok?

According to a report from Bloomberg News, Chinese officials are “mulling a potential option” to sell the app to the man who bought Twitter and renamed it “X” – Elon Musk.

While the Chinese government officially denies any involvement in the app, it does have access by virtue of its own laws on Internet regulation, have possession of every bit and byte of data collected by TikTok. That is a big reason why the U.S. passed a law to force the sale of the app. Faced with the possibility of losing arguably its biggest user base to U.S. law, Chinese officials appear to be seriously considering selling to Musk.

Chinese officials prefer that TikTok remain under the control of parent Bytedance, the report said, adding that the company is contesting the ban with an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Under one scenario, Musk’s social media platform X would take control of TikTok U.S. and run the business together, the report said, adding that the Chinese officials have yet to reach any firm consensus about how to proceed and their deliberations are still preliminary.

TikTok declined to comment, while Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment. X could not immediately be reached for a comment.

TikTok Denies the Report

However, in response to a question from Variety, TikTok has outright called the report “fiction,” calling the Bloomberg News story into question.

However, as reporter Yashar Ali notes, the original report did not say TikTok was considering selling to Musk, but that Chinese officials were.

It is a key distinction, to be sure. TikTok is not its own parent company. Bytedance is, and the belief among critics is that all that separates Bytedance and the Chinese government is a series of shell companies.

As the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., in  by Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg, found, TikTok’s “ultimate parent” is a company called ByteDance, which is “headquartered in China” and conducts “significant operations there.” ByteDance has created a series of shell companies to attempt to obscure Chinese ownership and operation of TikTok, but both President Trump and President Biden issued executive orders specifically finding that TikTok was controlled by Chinese interests.

The Left Would Not Be Happy

Already furious with Twitter becoming X and then shifting to a more neutral position, the left would absolutely lose its collective mind if another popular app used by millions of Americans fell into the hands of Musk.

The billionaire tech leader, who is responsible for the rise of Tesla and SpaceX and who bought Twitter, is currently the bane of the progressive left’s existence. His close ties to Donald Trump, his siding with the MAGA movement, and his rejection of their policies have infuriated them to no end.

It’s currently only speculation that Musk could be in the running for TikTok, but it would certainly be entertaining…

You May Also Like
Skokie water main break update: Boil order for Skokie, Evanston water enters 2nd day as crews work on repairs

Latest News on Skokie Water Main Break: Skokie and Evanston Residents Advised to Boil Water as Repair Efforts Continue for Second Day

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) — Crews are still working to repair a massive…
Shattering the 'iron' ceiling: New series 'Guerrera' explores vital role of US female troops in combat

“Breaking Barriers: ‘Guerrera’ Series Shows the Essential Contribution of American Women in Combat”

Over a decade ago, women in combat made history by volunteering for…
Suzanne Simpson murder case: Texas defense for missing Realtor's husband looking for holes in evidence trove

Investigation into missing Realtor’s husband in Texas focuses on finding weaknesses in evidence collection for Suzanne Simpson murder case

Over four months ago, Texas Realtor Suzanne Simpson went missing and her…
Judge Blocks Trump Admin From Mass Firings, Restrains Acting CFPB Director Vought From Doing Job

Judge stops Trump administration from firing many employees, prevents Acting CFPB Director Vought from carrying out duties

One more federal employees union has secured a judge’s approval to file…
Chicago weather forecast: AccuWeather Alert for more snow moving through area Friday evening, Saturday | RADAR

Stay Informed: Latest Chicago Weather Forecast with AccuWeather Alert for Snow on Friday Evening and Saturday

CHICAGO (WLS) — More snow is moving into the Chicago area this…
Trump makes awkward U-turn on firing 300 federal workers without realizing their crucial roles in defending America

Trump reverses decision to lay off 300 federal employees after understanding their vital role in protecting the nation

Donald Trump has had to make a quick reversal on firing hundreds of…
Philly Eagles parade live: Philadelphia fans celebrate Eagles Super Bowl victory on Valentine's Day

Philadelphia Eagles Victory Parade Live Stream: Fans Celebrate Super Bowl Win on Valentine’s Day

Philadelphia was awash in green on Valentine’s Day to celebrate its Super…
Letitia James Steps on Multiple Rakes in Wild Rant Against Trump, Musk Over DOGE

Letitia James Criticizes Trump and Musk for their involvement with DOGE and makes a series of mistakes.

New York Attorney General Letitia James spoke outside of a federal court…
Susan Smith's ex-husband says she casually apologized after killing their two sons

Susan Smith’s Former Husband Recalls her Casual Apology after Tragic Death of Their Two Sons

Susan Smith prison call Aug. 13 Susan Smith can be heard in…
Chicago weather forecast: Chicago snow totals Saturday night into Sunday could reach 1-2 inches

Prediction for Chicago Weather: Snow accumulation in Chicago could be 1-2 inches from Saturday night to Sunday.

CHICAGO (WLS) — More snow is moving into the Chicago area this…
Pearl Milling pancake mix recall: Quaker Oats recalls 10K boxes for milk allergy risk

Quaker Oats recalls 10,000 boxes of Pearl Milling pancake mix due to milk allergy risk

10,000 boxes of pancake mix have been recalled by The Quaker Oats…
Trump's secret plan to destroy Kamala Harris a SECOND time

Trump’s hidden strategy to defeat Kamala Harris again

Donald Trump could be setting up one of his most trusted aides…