Key Points
- Trump expressed a strong interest in buying TikTok. A U.S. law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban.
- Trump delayed the law’s enforcement by 75 days. Tech giants and investment firms are considering acquiring TikTok.
- China has opposed the forced sale, citing business concerns.
- TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, and negotiations are pending.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that there is significant interest in TikTok as his administration works to facilitate the sale of the popular social media platform. “GREAT INTEREST IN TIKTOK! Would be wonderful for China, and all concerned,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, signaling that discussions regarding TikTok’s future are intensifying.
The fate of TikTok has been uncertain since January 19, 2025, when a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app on national security grounds took effect. Under this legislation, ByteDance must divest from TikTok or risk an outright ban in the United States.
After assuming office on January 20, Trump signed an executive order postponing law enforcement by 75 days. This move provides ByteDance and potential buyers more time to negotiate a sale and avoid blocking the app from the U.S. market.
TikTok, which boasts over 150 million U.S. users, has been a point of contention between Washington and Beijing. U.S. lawmakers have cited national security risks related to the Chinese government’s influence over user data.
Several major U.S. tech companies and investment firms have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations, though no confirmed buyers have emerged. Industry experts suggest that companies like Microsoft, Oracle, and investment groups may be considering bids.
The Chinese government has opposed forced divestiture, arguing that such a move violates international business norms. ByteDance has yet to publicly confirm whether it intends to comply with the U.S. law or challenge it in court.
As negotiations continue, analysts predict that the next few months will be crucial in determining whether TikTok can continue operating in the U.S. under new ownership or face a complete ban.