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Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary uploaded an Instagram post on January 14, 2025, sharing a snippet of his interview with Fox News where he discussed whether Elon Musk will consider buying TikTok or not. O'Leary stated that Musk is an excellent entrepreneur, but several factors make the acquisition unlikely. He said:
"The idea that the regulator even under Trump's administration would allow this pretty slim."
He mentioned that the factors include regulatory concerns and political influences, particularly from the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has a vested interest in controlling the platform. O'Leary's remarks shed light on the complexities surrounding the potential deal.
Why does Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary believe Elon Musk buying TikTok is unlikely?
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Regulatory challenges and the monopoly issue
Kevin O'Leary explained during his interview that government bodies would likely reject any attempt to consolidate too much power in one company, especially a major social media platform like TikTok. The Shark Tank investor said:
"The regulators hate monopolies."
Despite his proven track record as a brilliant entrepreneur, the Shark Tank investor said the regulatory landscape would stand in the way of any buyout. According to O'Leary, people view that with Musk's impressive success record, regulatory resistance might make such a deal impossible.
The political landscape and Trump’s influence
Kevin O'Leary also discussed the political aspect of TikTok acquisition. According to the Shark Tank star, Donald Trump is unlikely to let go of the platform, viewing it as an essential bargaining chip. O'Leary noted that he had personally spoken with Trump just 24 hours before the interview and he confirmed his commitment to maintaining control over TikTok.
O'Leary emphasized that the platform had evolved beyond just a social media app to become a significant political tool.
"Trump’s not letting go of this golden bargaining chip"
The Shark Tank investor further explained that Trump sees TikTok as leverage, particularly in his negotiations with China.
“It’s Trump’s deal, he’s going to use it for all kinds of leverage,” O'Leary states.
Musk’s entrepreneurial brilliance vs. regulatory and political roadblocks
The Shark Tank investor O'Leary made it clear that while he respects Musk's entrepreneurial brilliance, the obstacles surrounding the acquisition are insurmountable.
"I'm a huge Elon Musk fan, I mean no question about it, you know he's a phenomenon entrepreneur," O'Leary said.
O'Leary said that even with Musk's track record, the regulatory challenges and political dynamics surrounding TikTok would prevent him from successfully acquiring the platform. He concluded his interview, saying that "TikTok is Trump's deal." The Shark Tank investor called him the "consummate dealmaker" who wouldn't let the platform fall into someone else's hands.
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