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Trump Endorses Elon Musk or Larry Ellison Buying TikTok: Could This Lead to Its Return to India?

President Donald Trump has voiced support for the possibility of billionaire Elon Musk or Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison purchasing TikTok, suggesting a unique proposal: "Buy it, and give half to the United States of America." This announcement comes amidst the backdrop of the U.S. Supreme Court upholding a law that bans TikTok unless ByteDance, its China-based parent company, sells its U.S. operations.

 

Trump’s Proposal for TikTok’s Ownership

Trump has clarified that he is not demanding Musk, Ellison, or other tech leaders to purchase TikTok outright but is encouraging a deal that benefits the United States directly.

Larry Ellison reportedly responded favorably, while Elon Musk has yet to comment.

TikTok has denied reports of considering a sale to any individual or entity, maintaining its independence.

TikTok’s U.S. Situation and Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court’s ruling requires TikTok’s operations to separate from ByteDance to address concerns over data privacy and national security. Trump’s proposal, which includes partial U.S. ownership, could potentially fulfill this requirement.

 

TikTok’s Potential Return to India

Although the focus is currently on TikTok’s U.S. operations, Trump’s remarks have sparked speculation about its return to other markets, including India, where the app has been banned since June 2020 due to:

 

Data Privacy Concerns: Alleged links between ByteDance and the Chinese government.

National Security Risks: The Indian government’s stance on safeguarding sensitive user data.
 

Challenges for TikTok in India

For TikTok to re-enter the Indian market, several significant hurdles remain:

Government Approval: India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has not indicated a shift in its position on TikTok.

Local Alternatives: Indian platforms like Moj and Chingari have gained traction, aligning with the government’s “self-reliant” digital agenda.

Rebuilding Trust: TikTok would need to assure the Indian government and users that their data is secure and independent of any foreign influence.

While the involvement of an American stakeholder such as Musk or Ellison might alleviate some concerns, it is unclear if this would satisfy India’s stringent requirements.

 

Trump’s suggestion of U.S. ownership in TikTok has opened new possibilities for the app’s future, but significant challenges remain, especially concerning its potential return to India. With no formal statements from Indian authorities and the growing success of local competitors, TikTok’s path back into the Indian market is far from certain.

For now, the focus will remain on whether U.S. tech leaders like Musk or Ellison step forward to take ownership and how this could reshape TikTok’s global presence.