U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his administration is in contact with four different groups regarding the sale of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media platform.
The comments come as TikTok’s future remains uncertain under a law that requires its owner, ByteDance, to either sell the platform on national security grounds or face a ban—a deadline that took effect on January 19.
During a briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked, “We’re dealing with four different groups, and a lot of people want it … all four are good.” When asked about the likelihood of a deal materializing soon, he added, “It could.” The administration’s efforts follow an executive order signed on January 20, which sought to delay the law’s enforcement by 75 days, providing additional time for negotiations.
The evolving situation has attracted several potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. Business analysts have speculated that TikTok could be valued at as much as $50 billion, underscoring the high stakes involved. TikTok and ByteDance have not immediately responded to Reuters’ requests for comment.
The discussions are taking place amid broader concerns over national security and the influence of Chinese technology in the United States. As the Trump administration explores various options, the outcome of these talks could have significant implications for the platform’s operation in America and its global market presence.
With negotiations ongoing, industry observers continue to watch closely, aware that any deal could reshape the competitive landscape of social media while setting a precedent for future technology transactions under geopolitical pressures.
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