The fate of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, but former President Donald Trump has revealed that four different groups are in talks to acquire the popular video-sharing app.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said, “We’re dealing with four different groups. A lot of people want it, and it’s up to me.” However, he declined to name the potential buyers, only stating that “all four are good.”
The U.S. law requiring TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban took effect on January 19. The move stemmed from concerns that the Chinese government could exploit the platform to spy on American users or manipulate public opinion.
Initially, TikTok shut down operations in the U.S. and was removed from app stores. However, after Trump began his second term in January, he delayed the enforcement of the ban for two and a half months, allowing negotiations to continue. By February, TikTok had resumed operations and returned to app stores.
Among the reported bidders for TikTok are Microsoft, Oracle, a consortium that includes YouTube star MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), and The People’s Bid for TikTok, an initiative spearheaded by real estate mogul Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty.
Despite the ongoing talks, TikTok does not appear eager to sell, continuing to fight for its place in the U.S. market. This is not the first time Trump has attempted to remove TikTok from American soil, having made a similar effort during his first presidency.
As the deadline looms, all eyes are on whether a deal will be reached—or if TikTok will once again face the risk of a total ban in the U.S.
