Image credit: Grok/X

TikTok has dismissed a Bloomberg report suggesting that China is considering allowing a sale of the social media platform's U.S. operations to Elon Musk as "pure fiction." The statement follows claims that Chinese officials are exploring the possibility of Musk's X platform acquiring TikTok’s U.S. business if the Supreme Court upholds a ban on the app.

The Supreme Court is set to rule on legislation requiring TikTok to sell its U.S. operations by January 19 or face a nationwide ban. TikTok has consistently maintained that it will not sell its U.S. division. A spokesperson for TikTok told BBC News, "We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction."

Bloomberg's report, citing unnamed sources, suggested that one scenario under consideration involves Elon Musk’s X taking control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. Neither Musk nor X provided immediate comment.

Musk, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has been linked to the TikTok debate following reports that Trump met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his Mar-a-Lago estate in December. Trump has called for a delay in the Supreme Court decision, urging justices to allow him to seek a "political resolution" once he takes office on January 20. In a legal filing, Trump’s lawyer stated that the president-elect opposes a ban on TikTok and prefers resolving the issue diplomatically.

Meanwhile, two Democratic lawmakers, Senator Edward Markey and Representative Ro Khanna, have urged Congress and President Joe Biden to extend the January 19 deadline.

During recent Supreme Court hearings, justices appeared inclined to uphold the legislation, citing national security concerns. The Biden administration has argued that TikTok could be exploited by the Chinese government for espionage and political manipulation if not sold. TikTok has repeatedly denied these allegations, asserting that the law violates the First Amendment rights of its users and that it operates independently of the Chinese Communist Party.

The Supreme Court's decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for TikTok’s future in the U.S. and the broader debate over national security and free speech in the digital age.

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