Former United States President Donald Trump has revealed that his administration is in discussions with four different groups interested in acquiring TikTok. The popular video-sharing app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, faces an uncertain future in the US due to a law requiring it to be sold or banned.
Trump made this statement on Sunday while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. When asked if a deal on TikTok was close, he responded, “It could be.”
“We’re dealing with four different groups. And a lot of people want it, and it’s up to me,” Trump added. He did not name any of the groups involved but assured that “all four are good.”
Background on TikTok’s US Ban
TikTok has been at the center of controversy in the US due to concerns that the Chinese government could use the platform to gather data on American users or manipulate public opinion. In response to these security fears, a law was passed that requires TikTok to either cut ties with ByteDance or cease operations in the US.
The law officially took effect on January 19, leading TikTok to shut down temporarily and disappear from app stores. Millions of American users were frustrated by the disruption, as the app has become one of the most widely used social media platforms in the country.
However, after Trump began his second term in office in January, he postponed the enforcement of the law for two and a half months. This delay was meant to provide more time for negotiations with China and explore possible solutions that would allow TikTok to continue operating in the US. As a result, TikTok resumed its services and was reinstated in Apple and Google app stores by February.
Potential Buyers of TikTok
Several well-known companies and individuals have shown interest in purchasing TikTok. One of the main contenders is “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” an initiative led by real estate and sports businessman Frank McCourt, through his Project Liberty organization.
Other major bidders include tech giants Microsoft and Oracle. Additionally, a group led by famous internet personality Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is also competing for ownership of the app.
While there is strong interest from these groups, TikTok itself has not appeared to be in a hurry to finalize a sale. The company’s leadership has resisted pressure in the past and has continued to defend its operations in the US.
Trump’s Long-Standing Opposition to TikTok
Trump has been a vocal critic of TikTok for years. During his first term in the White House, he attempted to ban the app, citing national security risks. His administration argued that allowing TikTok to operate under Chinese ownership posed a serious threat, given the tensions between the US and China over trade, technology, and cybersecurity.
Despite legal battles and resistance from TikTok, the push to force ByteDance to sell the app gained momentum. Under the new law, TikTok must either find a US-based buyer or risk being permanently banned from the American market.
What Lies Ahead for TikTok?
As the deadline for compliance with the law approaches, the fate of TikTok remains uncertain. The ongoing discussions with potential buyers suggest that a sale could happen soon, but there is no guarantee that an agreement will be reached.
Trump’s role in the process remains crucial, as he has indicated that the final decision will depend on him. His administration will likely weigh national security concerns, economic factors, and public sentiment before approving any deal.
For now, millions of TikTok users in the US are watching closely, hoping that their favorite app will not be taken away. The coming weeks will determine whether TikTok remains accessible in the US under new ownership or faces another shutdown.
As negotiations continue, the outcome will not only affect the social media industry but could also have wider implications for US-China relations and the regulation of foreign-owned technology firms in America.
