President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States is currently in discussions with four potential buyers interested in acquiring TikTok, as the Chinese-owned app faces a precarious future in the country.
A U.S. law mandates that TikTok must sever its ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban in the U.S.
When asked whether a deal would soon be reached, Trump responded: “It could be.” He confirmed that talks are ongoing with four different groups, stating, “A lot of people want it, and it’s up to me.” Trump also mentioned, “All four are good,” though he did not identify the interested parties.
The law prohibiting TikTok took effect on January 19, 2025, citing concerns that the Chinese government could use the app to spy on Americans or subtly sway U.S. public opinion. In response to the impending deadline, TikTok briefly shut down in the U.S. and vanished from app stores, disappointing millions of users.
After Trump began his second term in January, he paused the law’s enforcement for two-and-a-half months in an attempt to find a resolution with China. As a result, TikTok resumed service in the U.S. and reappeared on Apple and Google app stores in February.
Among the potential buyers are a group called “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” spearheaded by real estate and sports mogul Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty. Other contenders include tech giants Microsoft, Oracle, and a group that includes internet personality MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson).
Despite the pressure, TikTok does not appear overly eager to sell the app.
Trump had previously sought to ban TikTok during his first term, citing national security concerns.
AFP
