YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, better known as “MrBeast,” has entered a bid to acquire TikTok’s US operations. Teaming up with tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, founder of employer.com, Donaldson has proposed an all-cash offer for the social media platform’s US division.
The move follows former President Donald Trump’s openness to US billionaires Elon Musk and Larry Ellison potentially acquiring TikTok. Donaldson has expressed his interest through social media posts, stating on January 13, “I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned,” and mentioning discussions with several billionaires about a bid.
The US law firm Paul Hastings confirmed Donaldson’s bid, though the bid amount remains undisclosed. Trump has estimated TikTok’s value at $1 trillion with a condition of at least 50% US ownership. The legal team leading Donaldson’s bid is headed by Brad Bondi, brother of Pam Bondi, who was previously nominated as US attorney general.
ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, faces a January 19 deadline to sell its US division or risk a ban over national security concerns. The US Supreme Court recently declined to intervene in favor of TikTok, upholding the requirement for its sale or prohibition.
President Trump hinted at a possible 90-day reprieve after taking office, potentially delaying the ban. With 170 million American users, TikTok has become a focal point of regulatory and political discussions in the US.
