Trump Proposes Joint Venture Deal for TikTok with Elon Musk and Larry Ellison
In a bold and unconventional statement, former President Donald Trump recently expressed his openness to the idea of tech moguls Elon Musk and Larry Ellison taking over TikTok. Trump made it clear that he would be supportive if either of these wealthy figures showed interest in buying the popular social media platform. His remarks come at a time when TikTok’s future in the United States is uncertain, due to security concerns and potential regulations that could force the company to sell its operations in the country.
Trump’s comments were directed at Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, and Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. He seemed to suggest that a collaboration between these high-profile figures and the U.S. government could turn TikTok into a valuable asset. “I want them to do a 50/50 joint venture deal with America,” Trump declared, emphasizing that the platform’s worth would be significantly higher if the U.S. were involved. He boldly stated, “With us, it’s worth trillions. Without us, nothing,” highlighting the importance of American market involvement in TikTok’s success.
Ellison, known for his long-standing friendship with Trump, quickly responded to the proposal, indicating that he found the idea appealing. “Sounds like a good deal to me, Mr. President!” he said, which added a humorous twist to the conversation. While it’s unclear whether this was a serious offer or simply an offhand comment, it reflects the ongoing discussions about the future of TikTok and the role of powerful figures in shaping its destiny.
The situation with TikTok is far from settled. The app has faced scrutiny in the U.S. over concerns related to national security, as its parent company, ByteDance, is based in China. There have been talks of either selling the platform to an American company or imposing strict regulations to limit its reach. Trump’s proposal to have Musk and Ellison involved in a joint venture with the U.S. government is part of the broader conversation about how to navigate the tensions between the U.S. and China, especially in the tech sector.
As for Musk and Ellison, both are known for their vast influence in the tech world. Musk’s ventures have disrupted multiple industries, from electric vehicles to space exploration, while Ellison has made his mark in cloud computing and software development. If they were to pursue the idea of acquiring TikTok, their involvement would undoubtedly stir significant attention. The question remains, though—will they take Trump’s offer seriously, or was this simply a playful exchange between two powerful individuals? Only time will tell how this unique proposal will
unfold.