TikTok Sale: Potential Buyers Emerge Amidst Public Bidding War
President Donald Trump has initiated a public bidding war for the fate of TikTok's U.S. operations, with several tech giants and investors expressing interest.
Key Players Mentioned by Trump:
* Microsoft (MSFT): Microsoft has previously bid for TikTok but withdrew after encountering government obstacles. Trump has acknowledged their interest this time around.
* Elon Musk (X): Chinese officials have reportedly discussed selling TikTok's U.S. operations to Musk, who has expressed support for freedom of speech concerning the app.
* Larry Ellison (ORCL): Trump has sent mixed signals regarding Ellison's potential involvement, with both positive and negative comments. Oracle reportedly has a plan to move control of TikTok to its platform.
Other Notable Bidders:
* Perplexity AI: This artificial intelligence startup, backed by Amazon (AMZN), Nvidia (NVDA), and Jeff Bezos, has proposed merging TikTok's U.S. business with its platform and giving half ownership to the U.S. government.
* Frank McCourt and Kevin O'Leary: McCourt and O'Leary, founders of Project Liberty, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok for up to $20 billion, excluding its algorithm.
* Jesse Tinsley and 'MrBeast': This group, led by Employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley and popular YouTuber MrBeast, has submitted an all-cash bid, supported by a team that includes the brother of Trump's attorney general nominee.
Government Oversight and Timeline:
Trump has imposed a 30-day deadline for a deal to be reached. However, an executive order signed by him gives TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, until April 4th to find a solution. The U.S. government's involvement and the fate of TikTok's proprietary algorithm remain key factors in determining the outcome of this bidding war.