The TikTok U.S. sale is gaining momentum as U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed discussions with four different groups regarding the app’s American operations. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that all options remain open.
National Security Concerns
The TikTok U.S. sale stems from concerns over data privacy and national security. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, faces a deadline to divest its U.S. operations or risk a ban. A U.S. law that took effect on January 19 requires ByteDance to sell TikTok. Failure to comply could lead to the app’s removal from the country.
Trump’s Position on the Sale
Trump acknowledged the complexity of the sale but stated that a deal could be reached soon. “We’re dealing with four different groups, and a lot of people want it … all four are good,” he said.
His administration had initially delayed the enforcement of the law by 75 days to assess the best course of action. Now, the race to secure the TikTok U.S. sale is in full swing.
Key Bidders and Proposals
Several major players have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. assets. Among them is Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. McCourt has partnered with Alexis Ohanian, Reddit’s co-founder, to develop a strategy focusing on user data control and privacy.
McCourt refers to his bid as “The People’s Bid,” aiming to transform TikTok’s technology to give users more control over their data. His team submitted a proposal in early January 2025.
China’s Response and Potential Tariffs
TikTok has consistently denied allegations of cooperating with the Chinese government. The company claims it operates independently and does not share user data with Beijing. It has also established U.S.-based operations and hired American executives to distance itself from its parent company.
Trump warned that if China attempts to block the TikTok U.S. sale, tariffs as high as 100% could be imposed. He has also suggested that any deal should ensure that at least 50% of the ownership remains with U.S. investors.
What’s Next?
The TikTok U.S. sale remains a topic of intense discussion. With a looming deadline, negotiations continue as buyers finalize their bids. The outcome will determine TikTok’s future in the United States and its compliance with national security regulations.
