In a surprising twist, YouTube megastar MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, has thrown his hat into the ring to help save TikTok from a potential ban in the United States. What started as a playful tweet has turned into serious discussions about a potential bid to buy the app, with billionaire investors reportedly showing interest.
On Sunday night, Donaldson, who boasts over 300 million YouTube subscribers, jokingly tweeted, “Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned.” It seemed like a light-hearted comment, but just hours later, he followed up with a surprising statement.
Okay fine, I’ll buy Tik Tok so it doesn’t get banned
— MrBeast (@MrBeast) January 14, 2025
“Unironically I’ve had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this, let’s see if we can pull this off,” he wrote on X.
Unironically I’ve had so many billionaires reach out to me since I tweeted this, let’s see if we can pull this off 🙌🏻
— MrBeast (@MrBeast) January 14, 2025
Though the details remain unclear, sources close to Donaldson have confirmed that his team is in talks with multiple investors about purchasing TikTok, especially as the platform faces an uncertain future. TikTok’s U.S. operations could be shut down as soon as Sunday due to an impending federal ban tied to national security concerns.
A Bold Plan to Keep TikTok Alive in the U.S.
Donaldson’s interest in acquiring a stake in TikTok comes at a time when the future of the app in the U.S. is in jeopardy. With the January 19 deadline looming for ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell its American assets, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
BREAKING: MrBeast reveals that after meeting with several billionaires, he has officially made an offer to purchase TikTok before it’s banned. pic.twitter.com/VMCgDBC73V
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) January 15, 2025
Although no official deal has been finalized, insiders say that Donaldson’s influence and social media success make him an attractive partner for any potential buyer. Sources claim he could secure a minority stake in TikTok, though discussions are still in the early stages.
Musk and Other Billionaires in the Mix
In addition to Donaldson’s bid, there are reports that TikTok’s Chinese owners are exploring other options, including the involvement of Tesla billionaire Elon Musk. Musk’s recent acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) and his growing influence in the tech world make him a key player in the future of TikTok.
One idea gaining traction is for Musk to take control of TikTok’s U.S. operations, leveraging his vast user base and data expertise to enhance his social media platform while also navigating the delicate geopolitical landscape between the U.S. and China.
The Global Stakes of a TikTok Deal
The situation is more than just a business move—it’s a geopolitical issue. TikTok, with over 170 million U.S. users, has become a lightning rod for debate on national security, free speech, and the role of foreign-owned tech in America. As President Biden’s administration and lawmakers weigh in, a deal with Musk could become a critical point of negotiation between the U.S. and China.
With such high stakes, the world is watching closely. While the deal is still in its infancy, the idea of a TikTok acquisition—whether by MrBeast, Musk, or another billionaire investor—could reshape not only social media but also global relations.
