President Donald Trump has expressed openness to Tesla CEO Elon Musk or Oracle chairman Larry Ellison buying TikTok as part of a joint venture with the US government. This development comes as the popular short-video app faces a ban in the United States due to national security concerns.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Trump was asked if he would be open to "Elon buying TikTok." He responded affirmatively, adding that he would also like Larry Ellison to consider purchasing the app. This unexpected suggestion has sparked interest in the tech community, with many wondering what such a deal would entail.

Just a day prior to Trump's statement, he signed an executive order delaying the TikTok ban deadline by 75 days. The order also instructed the Department of Justice not to enforce the ban's penalties. While the app is currently back online, it remains unavailable for download from app stores.

Trump's proposal involves the US government granting TikTok a permit to operate in the country in exchange for half of the app's ownership. "I have the right to make a deal," Trump said. "So what I'm thinking about saying to somebody is buy it and give half to the United States of America, half, and we'll give you the permit." This unusual arrangement has raised eyebrows, with some questioning the legality and feasibility of such a deal.

It is unclear at this point whether Musk or Ellison would be interested in pursuing such a venture. Both executives have significant stakes in their respective companies, and the potential risks and challenges associated with acquiring TikTok may be a deterrent. Furthermore, the Chinese government's role in the app's ownership and operation could complicate any potential deal.

The implications of such a deal, if it were to materialize, would be far-reaching. It could set a precedent for the US government to take equity stakes in private companies, potentially blurring the lines between public and private ownership. Additionally, the deal could have significant consequences for the tech industry, as it would likely involve the US government exerting some level of control over the app's operations and data management.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Musk, Ellison, or another entity will take Trump up on his offer. One thing is certain, however: the fate of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance, and the outcome of these negotiations will have significant repercussions for the tech industry and beyond.