Former President Donald J. Trump has expressed interest in the potential acquisition of TikTok by tech leaders Elon Musk or Larry Ellison. However, Trump insists that any deal must include a stipulation that the US government should receive half the company’s ownership.

On January 21, 2025, during a White House gathering, Trump stated, “What I’m thinking about saying to somebody is buy it and give half to the United States of America, half, and we’ll give you the permit, and they’ll have a great partner.”

This proposition arises in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld legislation effectively banning TikTok in the United States primarily due to security concerns about its Chinese ownership. Handing over a portion to the government could resolve these security issues.

Trump’s comments reflect his typical policy-making style, where he seeks to capitalize on negotiations for what he perceives as mutual benefits. He mentioned, “You have an asset that has no value or has a trillion-dollar value. It all depends on whether or not the United States gives the permit.”

While Trump’s proposal has raised eyebrows, it underscores a growing trend of government involvement in major tech deals, a notion that diverges from conventional pro-business rhetoric.

In summary, all parties involved must consider the implications of such governmental equity in private tech companies and what it might mean for the future of social media regulation in the United States.