As the deadline to finalize a deal over TikTok approaches this week, President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that his administration can successfully negotiate with ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of the popular social media app.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday, Trump stated that there is “tremendous interest in TikTok” and that he hopes the app will continue to operate. His remarks came just days before the April deadline, which requires ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations or face a potential ban.
“We have several potential buyers,” Trump mentioned, highlighting the strong market interest. He also noted that the administration is in discussions with China, suggesting that the Chinese government might have a stake in the outcome. Additionally, Trump indicated that he would consider reducing tariffs on China if they approve the sale of TikTok’s U.S. assets.
Questions about the future of the popular video-sharing app have persisted since a law mandating ByteDance’s divestment went into effect on January 19. After assuming office, President Trump granted TikTok a 75-day extension by signing an executive order that postponed the enforcement of the law until April 5.
During his first term, President Trump attempted to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns. However, the courts blocked the move before his administration could negotiate a sale of the app, which ultimately fell through. Last year, during his presidential campaign, Trump shifted his stance on TikTok, praising the platform for helping him attract a larger share of young voters.
“I won the young vote by 36 points. Republicans generally don’t perform well with young voters,” he said on Sunday. “I believe TikTok played a big role in that.”
Trump has suggested that the deadline for a TikTok deal could be extended if necessary. He previously proposed a deal where the U.S. would hold a 50% stake in a joint venture, though the administration has not disclosed details about what such an arrangement would involve.
Neither TikTok nor ByteDance has publicly commented on the ongoing negotiations, and it remains unclear whether ByteDance has changed its position on selling TikTok, as it stated early last year that it had no plans to do so.
What will happen on April 5?
If TikTok isn’t sold to an approved buyer by April 5, the original law banning the app nationwide will be reinstated. However, the deadline tied to the executive order isn’t set in stone, and President Trump has indicated it could be extended if necessary.
Trump issued the order just days after the Supreme Court unanimously upheld a federal law requiring ByteDance to divest or face a ban in January. Following the ruling, TikTok briefly went offline for U.S. users but returned after Trump pledged to delay the ban.
During his first term, Trump attempted to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns. This effort was blocked by the courts before his administration could negotiate a sale, which ultimately fell through. Last year, during his presidential campaign, Trump shifted his stance, praising TikTok for helping him secure a larger share of young voters.
While the decision to keep TikTok operational through an executive order has faced some criticism, it hasn’t been challenged in court.
Who wants to buy TikTok?
While it’s uncertain whether ByteDance intends to sell TikTok, several potential buyers have emerged in recent months.
Vice President JD Vance’s team, tasked with overseeing a possible deal, has contacted some of these bidders, including the artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI, to gather more information about their proposals. In January, Perplexity AI submitted a merger offer to ByteDance, suggesting a combination of its business with TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Another group vying for TikTok is a consortium led by billionaire Frank McCourt, which recently brought on Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian as a strategic advisor. Members of the consortium claim they’ve offered ByteDance $20 billion in cash for TikTok’s U.S. business. If the deal goes through, they plan to revamp the app using blockchain technology to give users greater control over their online data.
Jesse Tinsley, founder of the payroll company Employer.com, has also formed a consortium that includes the CEO of the video game platform Roblox. This group is offering ByteDance over $30 billion for TikTok.
In January, President Trump mentioned that Microsoft was also considering acquiring the popular app. Other parties showing interest include Trump’s former Treasury Secretary, Steve Mnuchin, and Rumble, a video platform known for its conservative and far-right user base. Last March, Rumble announced on X that it was prepared to join a consortium of buyers interested in TikTok and to act as a technology partner for the company.
