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Former President Donald Trump has reignited the battle over TikTok’s future in the United States, revealing that his administration is negotiating with four potential buyers for the embattled Chinese-owned app. The controversial US law mandating TikTok’s separation from its parent company, ByteDance, or a nationwide ban remains in play, with Trump now firmly at the center of the decision-making process.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump declared, “We’re dealing with four different groups. And a lot of people want it, and it’s up to me.” His remarks signal that he holds the ultimate power over the app’s fate, despite widespread opposition from TikTok users and free speech advocates.
The forced sale, justified by concerns that the Chinese government could use TikTok for espionage or propaganda, has drawn skepticism, with critics calling it a political maneuver rather than a genuine national security measure. While Trump has temporarily suspended the ban, allowing TikTok to resume operations in the US, the clock is ticking on whether a deal will be reached.
Among the potential buyers are Microsoft, Oracle, and a consortium that includes YouTube megastar MrBeast, as well as a proposal called “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” backed by billionaire Frank McCourt. However, TikTok itself appears unwilling to sell, further complicating the standoff.
Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, now finds himself in a pivotal position once again—one that could reshape social media in the US while further escalating tensions with China.
