Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has officially joined a bid to acquire TikTok’s US operations.
The 26-year-old YouTube sensation has partnered with tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, founder of Employer.com, to make an all-cash offer for the social media platform’s American unit.
The announcement comes amid former President Donald Trump’s openness to US billionaires, including Elon Musk and Larry Ellison, purchasing TikTok’s US business.
Trump recently valued the app at $1 trillion.
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MrBeast’s Interest in TikTok
MrBeast has previously hinted at his interest in TikTok.
On January 13, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying,:
“I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned.”
He later revealed in a TikTok post that he had been in discussions with multiple billionaires regarding a potential bid.
The US law firm Paul Hastings confirmed Donaldson’s involvement in a statement, identifying him as the only publicly named investor in Tinsley’s consortium, which also includes institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals.
Uncertainty Over TikTok’s Future
TikTok’s status in the US remains uncertain despite its recent reinstatement.
ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, briefly shut down the service before restoring it on January 21 after receiving assurances from Trump.
The company had faced a January 19 deadline to divest TikTok’s US unit or risk a ban.
An executive order issued by Trump on January 22 suspended enforcement of a law that required TikTok’s sale.
The law barred companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle from hosting or distributing the app if ByteDance failed to complete a sale by the deadline.
Trump Backs Potential Buyers
Trump has expressed support for Musk or Ellison purchasing TikTok.
During a press conference, he said:
“I would be, if he [Musk] wanted to buy it. I’d like Larry [Ellison] to buy it too.”
Ellison, who was present at the event, responded that it sounded like a “good deal.”
Trump also suggested that TikTok’s ability to operate in the US depended on having at least 50% US ownership, reinforcing his $1 trillion valuation of the platform.
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Legal Challenges and App Store Concerns
Some Republican lawmakers have questioned the legality of Trump’s decision to suspend the sale mandate. They argue that companies must comply with the law, warning that violations could result in financial ruin.
Apple and Google have also yet to restore TikTok to their app stores. The two tech giants have been approached for comment on their stance regarding the app’s distribution.
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What’s Next for TikTok’s US Operations?
With multiple parties eyeing a stake in TikTok’s American business, the platform’s fate remains uncertain. While MrBeast’s bid adds an unexpected twist, whether his investor group has the financial backing to secure the deal remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, discussions continue on whether the app can operate under US ownership without facing renewed legal scrutiny.
