TikTok Dismisses Rumors of Sale to Musk as 'Pure Fiction'

TikTok has refuted a Bloomberg report indicating that Chinese officials might consider selling the company's US operations to Elon Musk, calling the claims "pure fiction." The company's stance comes amid ongoing Supreme Court deliberations on a law that may lead to a TikTok ban in the United States.

In a recent statement, TikTok has categorically denied rumors surrounding a potential sale of its US operations to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, branding reports of such a sale as "pure fiction." This declaration follows a Bloomberg article that suggested Chinese authorities are contemplating letting Musk's social media platform, X, take control of TikTok’s operations in the United States, especially in light of impending Supreme Court decisions regarding a possible ban.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on a law that, by a 19 January deadline, may require TikTok to divest its US business or risk being banned altogether. TikTok has consistently maintained its position opposing the sale of its US operations. A spokesperson for the company emphasized, “We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction,” reinforcing their assertion that the claims are baseless.

Following the report, speculation intensified around Elon Musk, known for his close ties to former President Donald Trump, who is slated to return to the White House on 20 January. Trump’s legal team has been vocal about seeking a delay in the Supreme Court's decision regarding TikTok, expressing interest in pursuing a "political resolution" to the ongoing tensions. Trump's legal brief specifically stated his opposition to a TikTok ban, aligning with the idea that he would prefer to negotiate the issue politically upon taking office.

The Biden administration has expressed concerns about potential security risks, arguing that without a sale, TikTok could become a conduit for espionage and manipulation by the Chinese government. On the other hand, TikTok has repeatedly denied any allegations of undue influence from the Chinese Communist Party, stating that the proposed ban infringes on the First Amendment rights of its American users.

As the situation unfolds, various stakeholders are watching closely to see how the Supreme Court's ruling may impact TikTok's operations and the broader discussion about social media regulation and national security in the United States.