YouTube star MrBeast joins bid to buy TikTok in US

Key Points

• YouTube star MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) has joined a bid to purchase TikTok's US operations.
• Donald Trump has expressed openness to Elon Musk or Larry Ellison acquiring TikTok in the US.
• TikTok's future in the US remains uncertain despite being reinstated after Trump suspended a law requiring its sale.

Detailed Summary

• MrBeast, with 346 million YouTube followers and $85m in earnings, has teamed up with tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley to offer an all-cash bid for TikTok's US unit.
• Paul Hastings, the law firm representing the bid, did not disclose its size, but Trump has valued TikTok at $1tn.
• Trump has also indicated interest in deals involving Elon Musk or Larry Ellison, who were present at a press conference.
• TikTok was ordered to sell its US operations before a January 19th deadline or face a de facto ban. However, the app was reinstated after Trump received "assurance" and suspended the sale requirement.
• Despite this, Republican lawmakers question the legality of suspending the law, and neither Apple nor Google have yet reinstated TikTok on their app stores.

Conclusions

• The outcome of the TikTok acquisition bids remains uncertain.
• Trump's willingness to consider alternative deals adds complexity to the situation.
• The legality of Trump's suspension of the TikTok sale requirement may be challenged.