Berlin: Elon Musk has categorically denied any interest in acquiring TikTok's US operations, putting to rest swirling speculations during a forum held in Germany in late January. "I've not put in a bid for TikTok, and I don't have any plans for what I would do if I had TikTok," Musk stated, quashing rumors about his involvement with the popular social media platform.

According to Anadolu Agency, Musk's comments, which were released over the weekend, come at a time when TikTok is facing heightened scrutiny in the United States over national security concerns. The platform's Chinese owner, ByteDance, is under pressure from US authorities to divest its American operations or potentially face a ban. Despite suggestions from President Donald Trump, who named Musk as a potential buyer, the billionaire entrepreneur dismissed the idea, citing his unfamiliarity with the app. "I don't use TikTok personally, so I'm not that familiar with it," he added.

Beyond the TikTok controversy, Musk is also navigating challenges with X, formerly known as Twitter, which he acquired for $44 billion. The platform has faced criticism over rising hate speech, a concern that continues to shadow Musk's leadership. As a prominent supporter of Trump, Musk heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an administration initiative aimed at reducing federal agency budgets. However, his efforts hit a roadblock when a judge recently barred his team from accessing Treasury Department data.

Musk's commentary extends into political and social discourse, where he has openly criticized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, labeling them as "racism rebranded." This stance aligns with actions from Trump's administration, which has been actively dismantling DEI initiatives. Furthermore, Musk stirred controversy in Germany by expressing support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a move that has raised eyebrows given the country's historical context.