Trump's Proposal: Elon Musk And Larry Ellison May Acquire TikTok 

US President Donald Trump has shown openness to the idea of allowing prominent business figures like Tesla's CEO Elon Musk or Oracle's Chairman Larry Ellison to acquire the Chinese social media platform, TikTok. This gesture came after TikTok experienced a significant downtime of 14 hours, stretching from late Saturday night into Sunday morning. However, an executive order signed by Trump on his inaugural day as the 47th US president extended a 75-day reprieve to TikTok. Trump mentioned, "I would be, if he wanted to buy it," when asked about Musk's potential interest in purchasing TikTok.

Trump discussed his right to facilitate such a deal, saying, "I have the right to make a deal,... So what I'm thinking about saying to somebody is buy it and give half to the United States of America, half, and we'll give you the permit, and they'll have a great partner." He further elaborated on his meeting with TikTok's major stakeholders, highlighting the app's substantial value contingent on obtaining a permit and proposed a unique arrangement where the buyer would share profits with the United States.

Trump's Changing Perspective on TikTok

Initially, Trump aimed to ban TikTok in the US due to concerns over privacy and national security linked to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. This stance was in line with a US federal mandate requiring separation from ByteDance by January 19 to avoid a ban. However, Trump's viewpoint shifted considerably, especially over the past year, as he acknowledged TikTok's role in connecting him with younger voters during the 2024 elections. "And we went on TikTok and Republicans have never won the young vote, the youth vote, they win a lot of votes but they've never won the youth vote — we won the youth vote by 36 points," Trump expressed, indicating a newfound appreciation for the platform. "So, I like TikTok," he concluded.

Trump's willingness to negotiate the future of TikTok with industry magnates like Musk and Ellison could reshape the social media landscape in the US. His approach, suggesting a significant portion of the proceeds to be shared with the US government, underscores an innovative stance towards foreign-owned tech companies operating within national borders. This potential acquisition, coupled with Trump's evolved view of TikTok's societal impact, signals an intriguing phase in the interplay between politics, national security, and technology.

In conclusion, Donald Trump's openness to Elon Musk or Larry Ellison acquiring TikTok underscores a significant shift in his administration's approach towards the app. From considering a ban over security concerns to recognizing its influence among younger voters, Trump's statements reflect a complex relationship with the platform. This development holds implications for the tech industry and US-China relations, illustrating the intricate dynamics at play in the digital age.