Trump confirms talks with four groups over TikTok acquisition

Former US President Donald Trump has revealed that negotiations are ongoing with four different groups interested in acquiring TikTok, as the popular video-sharing app faces an uncertain future in the country.

Under a US law, TikTok is required to separate from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban in the United States. When asked on Sunday if a deal was imminent, Trump responded, “It could be.”

“We’re dealing with four different groups. And a lot of people want it, and it’s up to me,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One. However, he did not disclose the names of the potential buyers, only stating, “All four are good.”

The law banning TikTok took effect on January 19, driven by concerns that the Chinese government could use the platform to spy on Americans or manipulate public opinion. In response, TikTok temporarily shut down in the US and was removed from app stores, leaving millions of users disappointed.

However, after Trump returned to office and engaged in discussions with Beijing, he suspended the implementation of the ban for two and a half months. This allowed TikTok to restore its services and return to Apple and Google app stores in February.

Among the potential buyers is “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” spearheaded by real estate and sports tycoon Frank McCourt through his Project Liberty initiative. Other contenders include tech giants Microsoft, Oracle, and a group involving popular internet personality MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, TikTok does not appear eager to sell.

The platform previously faced similar challenges during Trump’s first term, when he attempted to ban it over national security concerns.