TikTok’s Fate Hangs in Balance as U.S. Supreme Court Weighs Ban

NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2025 — The future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to rule on the constitutionality of a proposed ban. The popular video app, owned by China-based ByteDance, faces a Sunday deadline for a legislatively passed ban, which could be delayed pending the court’s decision.

Chinese officials, who previously opposed the sale of TikTok, are now reportedly considering allowing ByteDance to sell the app to Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of social media platform X. This shift comes amid political motivations, as Musk is rumored to have an advisory role in President-elect Donald Trump‘s administration. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew dismissed the Bloomberg report as “pure fiction.”

The potential sale has drawn interest from several high-profile suitors, including Oracle, Microsoft, and former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users and estimated $20 billion in revenue this year make it a valuable asset, though its unprofitable status and distressed sale conditions could lower its price. Analysts estimate the app’s enterprise value at over $100 billion.

ByteDance’s ownership group, which includes General Atlantic and BlackRock, may push for a formal auction. Meanwhile, Trump’s legal team has requested the Supreme Court to delay the ban deadline, allowing the incoming administration to negotiate a deal. The situation remains fluid, with Beijing’s stance and the court’s ruling adding further complexity.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue its decision on Jan. 19, determining whether ByteDance must divest its U.S. operations or face a ban on national security grounds. The outcome will have significant implications for TikTok’s future and its millions of American users.