Kevin O’Leary Says He Wants To Buy TikTok, Needs Trump’s Help As Ban Looms

Investor Kevin O’Leary of “Shark Tank” fame recently discussed his intentions to purchase the popular social media app TikTok, mentioning that he’ll need President-elect Donald Trump’s assistance to make it happen.

The 70-year-old Canadian entrepreneur made the remarks during a Monday appearance on Fox News’ “The Story with Martha MacCallum.”

“Trump will be who we have to work with to close the deal in the months ahead. So I wanted to let him know, as well as others in his cabinet, that we’re doing this, and we’re going to need their help,” O’Leary said, per The Wrap.

The “Shark Tank” star also posted on X about the potential purchase, saying he was “excited” to partner with former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty “to lead The People’s Bid for TikTok.”

“This isn’t just about buying TikTok’s U.S. assets,” he wrote in a post shared on Monday. “It’s about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users. It’s about empowering creators and small businesses. And it’s about building a platform that prioritizes PEOPLE over algorithms.”

“TikTok has immense potential, not just as a tool for creators but as a driver of meaningful economic and social impact. Together, we’re working to create an American-owned platform that is secure, innovative, and puts YOU in control of your data and digital relationships,” O’Leary added.

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O’Leary’s tweet included a link to the press release detailing his reasons for wanting to purchase the platform, which is currently owned by Chinese company Bytedance. TikTok is facing removal from Apple and Google app stores in the United States due to a federal ban signed by President Joe Biden last spring due to security concerns.

In December, Trump petitioned the Supreme Court to delay the ban from going into effect so he could have time to negotiate a potential deal. 

“It’s clear that our visions for a people-centered, American-owned platform are closely aligned, and our combined efforts will give a significant boost to The People’s Bid as the January 19 deadline for a sale of TikTok quickly approaches,” McCourt said in a statement noted in the press release.

“Kevin and I, along with the thousands of supporters who have come forward to back The People’s Bid, firmly believe we can build a better TikTok – one that protects our national security and becomes a safe, secure platform that millions of people on the app will trust. We look forward to working with President-elect Trump to save TikTok.”

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