TikTok Labels Elon Musk Takeover Rumors as ‘Pure Fiction’
TikTok has firmly rejected a report claiming that Chinese officials are considering selling its U.S. operations to Elon Musk, calling the suggestion “pure fiction.”
The denial came in response to a Bloomberg article that speculated that such a move could be on the table if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds a potential ban on the app.
A TikTok spokesperson told BBC News, “We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction.”
The Supreme Court is set to rule on a law that requires TikTok to divest its U.S. operations by January 19 or face a nationwide ban. Despite the ongoing legal battle, TikTok has consistently maintained its refusal to sell its U.S. business.
Bloomberg’s report, citing anonymous sources, proposed that one possible scenario being considered by Chinese officials could involve Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), taking over TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Musk’s close ties to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump have fuelled speculation about his potential involvement in finding a resolution to the issue.
Trump, who is set to return to the White House on January 20, has recently urged the U.S. Supreme Court to delay its ruling on TikTok until after he assumes office, in hopes of pursuing a “political resolution.”
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In a legal brief, Trump’s lawyer emphasised that the president-elect “opposes banning TikTok” and seeks to address the matter through political means.
Trump’s stance has gained traction following a recent meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Mar-a-Lago. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Edward Markey and Representative Ro Khanna, are pushing for an extension of the January 19 deadline.
During a Supreme Court hearing last week, justices seemed inclined to uphold the legislation. National security concerns dominated the nearly three-hour session, with the Biden administration arguing that TikTok could pose risks of espionage and political manipulation if it remains under Chinese ownership.
TikTok has consistently denied any influence from the Chinese Communist Party, arguing that the proposed ban infringes on its users’ First Amendment rights.
Content Credit| Agbetan Bisola
Picture Credit | https://www.wired.com/
