On February 8, billionaire Elon Musk stated that he had no interest in purchasing TikTok, the popular short-video app facing potential ban in the United States due to national security concerns. Musk's remarks were disclosed online by The WELT Group, part of the German media company Axel Springer SE, during a summit where he participated via video conference.
Musk clarified, "I have not put in a bid for TikTok," in response to previous comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting his involvement in acquiring the app. Musk emphasized his lack of personal use of TikTok and unfamiliarity with its format, stating, "I'm not chomping at the bit to acquire TikTok," and highlighting his infrequent acquisitions of companies, unlike his unique purchase of Twitter, now named X.
Regarding the app's potential ban, ByteDance faced a January deadline to sell TikTok's U.S. assets or risk being banned due to national security risks. Despite efforts to circumvent restrictions by allowing U.S. Android users to download the app through their website, TikTok remains absent from Apple and Google's app stores under the new U.S. law. Trump hinted at ongoing talks with various parties for TikTok's purchase and hinted at a decision this month.
In a notable shift, Trump expressed appreciation for TikTok, acknowledging its impact on engaging young voters, contrasting his previous attempts to ban the app over privacy concerns. ByteDance has consistently denied any intentions to sell TikTok, with no immediate response to inquiries made outside of typical working hours.