Donald Trump and Elon Musk Discover how this unexpected duo could change the future of TikTok in the United States. A bold solution to the ban!
TikTok's future in the U.S. seems to be hanging by a thread, and that thread may well be held by two iconic figures of modern America: Donald Trump and Elon Musk. As the Chinese social network faces an imminent ban on U.S. soil, an unexpected scenario looms on the horizon. Donald Trump, former President of the United States, has expressed his support for the idea that Elon Musk, the billionaire head of Tesla, SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter), could buy TikTok to give it a new lease of life. What's behind this surprising proposal?
A ban looms over TikTok
TikTok, the Chinese app popular with the younger generation, has long been the subject of criticism and controversy in the United States. Concerns center on the security of American users' data, and the possibility that this information could be accessed by the Chinese government. In response, a law passed by Congress in 2024 requires ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to sell its US operations or face a total ban.
Donald Trump, who had already tried to ban TikTok during his first term, has this time signed an executive order suspending the application of this law for 75 days. This delay is intended to allow stakeholders to find a viable solution, and Elon Musk could well be at the heart of that solution.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk: an unexpected alliance
At first glance, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have little in common. One is a former president renowned for his controversial positions and populist approach, while the other is a visionary entrepreneur known for his innovations in electric cars, space exploration and social networking. Yet Trump has publicly supported Musk's takeover of TikTok, going so far as to declare that he would be "open to the idea".
This proposal is based on economic and strategic logic. Elon Musk, with his successful track record in managing complex technology companies, could offer TikTok a new direction, away from Chinese influence. What's more, his network of investors and his ability to raise funds make him a serious candidate for such a takeover.
Financial and political stakes
In addition to security concerns, banning TikTok would have considerable economic consequences. With over 170 million users in the U.S., the app generates huge advertising revenues and supports an ecosystem of influencers and content creators. Trump's idea of asking ByteDance to "give half to the U.S." in exchange for a "license" underscores TikTok's economic importance.
However, this request raises legal and diplomatic questions. Would ByteDance be prepared to sell off a significant part of its business to comply with US law? And would China, often reluctant to authorize the sale of strategic technological assets, approve such an agreement?
Elon Musk: a potential savior
Elon Musk is often seen as a visionary capable of taking on the most complex challenges. While the idea of him buying TikTok may seem audacious, it is far from far-fetched. Musk already has a proven track record in turning around ailing companies, as he did with Tesla and more recently with X.
As a potential owner, Musk could use TikTok to diversify his portfolio of companies while strengthening his influence in the social networking arena. In addition, an acquisition of this magnitude could be seen as a way of challenging the hegemony of big tech companies such as Meta and Google.
International reactions
Elon Musk's possible takeover of TikTok is also provoking mixed reactions internationally. While some see the move as an opportunity for TikTok to remain operational in the U.S., others fear it could create new tensions between Washington and Beijing. In China, the idea of TikTok being controlled by an American entity is perceived as a loss of technological sovereignty.
What you need to remember
Donald Trump and Elon Musk, two iconic but different figures, could play a key role in TikTok's future in the United States. With the app facing major legal and economic challenges, a Musk buyout could be a bold and effective solution. However, many obstacles - diplomatic, financial and strategic - remain to be overcome before this scenario becomes reality.
What do you think of this possibility? Is Elon Musk the best option to save TikTok? Share your opinion and discover our other articles on the challenges of social networks and technology.