Trump Says TikTok Deal in Progress as U.S. Ownership Talks Intensify/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump confirmed ongoing negotiations for a TikTok sale, with four groups expressing interest ahead of the April 5 deadline. If ByteDance fails to divest its U.S. operations, TikTok faces a nationwide ban, though Trump may extend the deadline. Potential buyers include Microsoft, AI startup Perplexity, and billionaire-backed consortiums. Trump has also proposed a 50% U.S. government stake in TikTok, though details remain unclear. China’s stance on the sale has softened, but approval from Beijing remains a key hurdle. As the deadline approaches, TikTok’s future hangs in the balance.
TikTok Sale and U.S. Control: Quick Looks
- President Donald Trump confirms negotiations with four groups interested in buying TikTok.
- April 5 deadline approaches, requiring ByteDance to divest or face a U.S. ban.
- Trump hints at extending the deadline if a deal is not finalized in time.
- Microsoft, Perplexity AI, and billionaire-backed consortiums among potential buyers.
- Trump proposes a U.S. government stake in TikTok, though details remain unclear.
- China signals a softer stance, but ByteDance must comply with Beijing’s regulations.
- The fate of TikTok’s algorithm and data flow remains a key issue in negotiations.
Deep Look: Trump Pushes for TikTok Sale as April 5 Deadline Looms
Trump Confirms TikTok Negotiations Amid Uncertainty
President Donald Trump revealed Sunday that his administration is actively discussing a TikTok sale with four different groups, signaling that a resolution may come soon.
“A lot of people want it, and it’s up to me,” Trump said aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington.
With TikTok’s April 5 deadline fast approaching, the video-sharing platform could be sold, banned, or granted another extension.
A TikTok spokesperson declined to comment on Trump’s remarks.
What Happens on April 5?
Under a law passed in January, TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, must divest its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban.
However, Trump’s executive order in January delayed the enforcement of the law, giving TikTok a 75-day reprieve.
- If TikTok isn’t sold by April 5, the ban will be reinstated.
- Trump could extend the deadline again, as he hinted on Sunday.
- A legal challenge against the ban has not yet emerged, leaving the door open for negotiations.
Who Wants to Buy TikTok?
- Perplexity AI: Proposed merging its AI-driven search technology with TikTok’s U.S. operations.
- Microsoft: Previously attempted to acquire TikTok in 2020 and remains interested.
- Billionaire-backed consortiums:
- Frank McCourt’s group, with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian as an advisor, offering $20 billion in cash.
- Jesse Tinsley’s consortium, featuring Roblox’s CEO, bidding over $30 billion.
- Former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and conservative video platform Rumble have also expressed interest.
Trump’s Vice President JD Vance is overseeing the bidding process, with his aides reaching out to potential buyers for further discussions.
Trump Wants U.S. Government Control Over TikTok
Trump has proposed that the U.S. government secure a 50% stake in TikTok, though details remain unclear.
- Some bidders have suggested allowing the U.S. to invest in TikTok.
- Trump has floated the idea of a government-owned investment fund to acquire part of TikTok.
However, it’s uncertain how a U.S. government stake would be structured or whether it would pass legal scrutiny.
China’s Evolving Position on the Sale
Beijing previously condemned the U.S. push for a forced sale, calling it a “robbers’ act” in 2024.
However, recent statements from China’s Foreign Ministry suggest a softer stance.
“Business operations and acquisitions should be independently decided by companies in accordance with market principles,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.
ByteDance must still comply with Chinese regulations, meaning:
- China must approve the sale before it moves forward.
- TikTok’s proprietary algorithm may be a sticking point, as it determines content recommendations globally.
What’s Next for TikTok?
With the April 5 deadline looming, TikTok’s future remains uncertain.
- If ByteDance sells TikTok, a U.S. company or investor group will take control.
- If no deal is reached, Trump could extend the deadline or enforce the ban.
- If China intervenes, negotiations could become more complex, delaying any resolution.
As Trump himself decides TikTok’s fate, all eyes are on whether a last-minute deal will emerge—or if the app will face another legal battle.
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