A potential TikTok ban has U.S. users worried about the platform’s future. The Supreme Court heard arguments last week on a legal challenge to the ban and seems likely to uphold the law.
A ruling could come this week unless ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, sells the app. If not, the law would block app stores like Apple and Google from offering TikTok and prevent internet hosting services from supporting it.
As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, names like Tesla CEO Elon Musk, former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and billionaire Frank McCourt have been mentioned as potential buyers. Public speculation has also grown over whether President-elect Donald Trump might be involved in a purchase.
The Claim
An account on X, formerly Twitter, @DiaPinCasA, claimed that Donald Trump plans to purchase TikTok through his media company. The post included a screenshot appearing to show a tweet from Trump’s verified account, @realDonaldTrump, stating:
“Big announcement: I will be purchasing TikTok on January 14th for $2.7 billion. Incredible platform, tremendous potential. Under my leadership, it will be bigger and better than ever before! Stay tuned. #MAGA #TikTok”
The alleged tweet, shared on Wednesday, sparked widespread interest and speculation across social media and search platforms. Adding to the buzz, some TikTok users discussed what Trump’s involvement could mean for the platform.
The Facts
A Newsweek review of Donald Trump’s posts on X on Wednesday confirmed that the alleged tweet was fabricated; the president-elect never posted it. Neither Trump nor his media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, has announced any plans to acquire TikTok.
Reports have identified potential buyers for TikTok, including Steven Mnuchin, Frank McCourt, and Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank fame. In a Fox News interview, O’Leary clarified that Trump is acting as an advisor on the matter, not a potential buyer.
Trump has stated that he asked the Supreme Court to pause the law to allow for a “political resolution.” However, there is no evidence suggesting he intends to purchase the app.
At the same time, ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, remains unwilling to sell its proprietary algorithm, which poses a significant hurdle to any acquisition.
The Ruling
False. The claim that Donald Trump is purchasing TikTok is false. The alleged tweet was fabricated, and no credible evidence supports the idea that Trump or his media company plans to acquire TikTok. Negotiations over TikTok’s future involve other business figures, but Trump’s involvement is limited to political maneuvering, not ownership discussions.
With a Supreme Court ruling on the ban imminent and ByteDance resisting divestment, TikTok’s future remains uncertain.
FACT CHECK BY NEWSWEEK
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