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Trump Open to Musk or Ellison Buying TikTok, Proposes US Get 50% in Joint Venture

Jan 21, 2025, 11:10 PM

On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump expressed openness to the idea of Elon Musk purchasing TikTok. When asked if he would support Musk buying the social media app, Trump responded, "I would be if he wanted to buy it." Trump also mentioned that he had met with TikTok's owners and suggested that the United States should receive half of the value if a deal is made. He stated, "You have an asset that has no value or has a trillion-dollar value. It all depends on whether or not the United States gives the permit. So what I'm saying is let the United States give the permit, and the United States should get half." Trump proposed that someone could "buy it and give half to the United States of America," and indicated he was also open to Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison purchasing the app. The idea involves a joint venture with the U.S. government, emphasizing that TikTok is worthless without a U.S. permit but could be worth up to $1 trillion with one.