Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, excitedly shared his plans to purchase TikTok with his millions of followers, exclaiming, "I might become you guys' new CEO! I'm super excited!" aboard a private jet. He then announced a $10,000 giveaway to five new random followers.
Since Monday, Donaldson's post has amassed over 73 million views. Although he couldn't disclose bid specifics, he assured, "Just know, it's gonna be crazy."
Donaldson joins other bidders eyeing the acquisition of TikTok, which faces a critical deadline following a law signed by former President Joe Biden, pushing its China-based parent company ByteDance to sell by January 19 or risk a US ban.
Former President Donald Trump has suggested a joint venture, proposing US ownership. Subsequently, an executive order granted a 75-day operational extension for TikTok.
Trump hinted at tech figures such as Elon Musk and Larry Ellison potentially purchasing the platform, with Oracle also having shown interest previously.
Billionaire Frank McCourt has also voiced interest in TikTok, advocating for overseeing its technology through his Project Liberty Institute.
Law professor Anupam Chander predicts Trump will influence the selection of a US buyer likely aligned with his views.
Chander criticizes the law for granting excessive power to determine TikTok's ownership, warning of the platform's uncertain future due to political influence.
In sum, the fate of TikTok lies in a complex web of politics and business interests, leaving its future unpredictable.