TikTok rejects report suggesting Chinese officials might allow sale of its US operations to Elon Musk

Branding the rumour “pure fiction”, TikTok has rejected a report suggesting Chinese officials might allow the sale of its US operations to Elon Musk.

TikTok has rejected a report suggesting Chinese officials might allow the sale of its US operations to Elon Musk – calling it “pure fiction”.

The comments came after Bloomberg claimed Beijing is considering such a move if the US Supreme Court upholds a ban on the app.

Supreme Court justices are set to rule on a law requiring TikTok to either sell its US business or face a nationwide ban by 19 January.

TikTok has repeatedly stated it will not sell its operations.

A spokesperson for the firm told BBC News: “We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction.”

Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, reported one scenario being explored by Chinese officials would involve Elon’s social media platform, X, acquiring TikTok’s US operations.

X did not immediately respond to a BBC request for comment.

Elon is a close ally of US president-elect Donald Trump, who is due to return to the White House on 20 January.

Last month, Trump urged the Supreme Court to delay its ruling until his inauguration, allowing him to pursue a “political resolution”.

His lawyer submitted a legal brief arguing Trump “opposes banning TikTok” and seeks to resolve the issue through political means once in office.

Outgoing US president Joe Biden’s administration has argued TikTok poses national security risks, claiming the app could be used by China for spying or manipulation.

TikTok has consistently denied any influence from the Chinese Communist Party, asserting the law violates First Amendment free speech rights.

Meanwhile, two Democratic lawmakers, Senator Edward Markey and Representative Ro Khanna, called on Congress and president Biden to extend the deadline.

During a Supreme Court hearing last week, justices focused on national security concerns behind the legislation, signaling they may uphold the 19 January deadline.