“We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way,” Trump said during a Fox News interview over the weekend. “I think I’ll need probably China approval, and I think President Xi will probably do it. It’s a group of very wealthy people.”

That cryptic tease comes as TikTok faces a looming U.S. ban if its China-based parent company, ByteDance, doesn’t divest from the platform by September 17. The company has already dodged the axe several times, thanks to multiple 75- and 90-day deadline extensions—the latest just issued earlier this month.

Why This Matters

TikTok isn’t just a fun app for dance trends and dog videos. Roughly 170 million Americans use it to get their news, build communities, and for some, make a living. A U.S. ban would ripple across the creator economy and tech sector—and be a major political move with global implications.

But any sale is tricky. ByteDance still needs the Chinese government’s approval to finalize any deal, and Beijing hasn’t signaled whether it’s on board with TikTok changing hands.

Who’s in the Running to Buy TikTok?

Several big names and high-profile groups have thrown their hats in the ring. Some were close to a deal earlier this year—until fresh U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods scuttled progress.

Here’s a breakdown of the major contenders:

1. A Private Consortium with ByteDance Keeping a Minority Stake

One of the most advanced proposals came from a group of U.S.-based venture capital firms and tech investors. Under that plan, ByteDance would retain just 20% ownership, in line with U.S. law, which also prohibits the company from influencing TikTok’s data or algorithm.

No companies were publicly named at the time, but a source told CNN that all sides—ByteDance, U.S. investors, and the Trump administration—were aligned on the deal before negotiations stalled.

2. Oracle + American Investors

Oracle, TikTok’s current U.S. cloud technology partner, has reportedly been among the top bidders, possibly teaming up with private equity firm General Atlantic and investment group Susquehanna International.

Oracle has long had a cozy relationship with Trump-era officials and previously tried to secure a controlling stake in TikTok during Trump’s first term.

None of the parties commented when reached on Monday.

3. The People’s Bid – Frank McCourt, Kevin O’Leary, Alexis Ohanian

This group brands itself as “The People’s Bid” and brings together billionaire Frank McCourt (former owner of the LA Dodgers), “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary, and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

Their pitch? A Made-in-America TikTok that gives users more control over their data and limits algorithmic manipulation.

“Every day without a qualified divestiture puts Americans at greater risk of manipulation and surveillance,” a Project Liberty spokesperson said.

4. MrBeast + Employer.com’s Jesse Tinsley

Yes, MrBeast, the YouTube superstar with 250+ million subscribers, is part of another group reportedly interested in buying TikTok. He’s partnered with Employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley.

Their group hasn’t shared many public details, and a representative declined to comment on Monday.

5. AI Startup Perplexity

In a bold March announcement, artificial intelligence firm Perplexity said it wanted to buy TikTok and rebuild its algorithm from scratch—without creating a monopoly.

Their reasoning? As a smaller player in tech, they claim they could offer TikTok the innovation it needs without big tech baggage.

Perplexity hasn’t commented further since that statement.

What’s Next?

While Trump promises a reveal “within two weeks,” the road to a finalized deal is far from clear. China’s position remains a wild card, and the U.S. government will still need to vet any buyer to ensure compliance with the sale-or-ban law passed last year under President Biden.

Meanwhile, millions of creators and users continue using TikTok daily—unsure whether their favorite platform will be American-owned or banned altogether come September.

Stay tuned—this saga is far from over.

Source: CNN – Trump says he has a TikTok buyer. Here are the players who have been vying to buy the app

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In a post on Truth Social, Trump explained, “My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress. The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed.” He later signed an executive order formalizing the delay, a move that has become increasingly crucial as the clock ticks on the contentious issue.

The delay comes after months of negotiations to transfer control of TikTok’s U.S. operations to American ownership. The process was derailed by Trump’s latest tariff announcement, which imposed an additional 34% tariff on Chinese goods. The tariff move prompted ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to pause the deal, citing the need for further negotiations regarding the tariffs.

The initial deadline for the deal was set for April 5, and Trump had hoped that a deal could be finalized before that. The agreement would have involved multiple venture capital and private equity funds, along with tech giants, investing in a company that would control TikTok’s U.S. operations. ByteDance would retain a minority stake of 20%, and the app’s U.S. division would be required to operate independently of ByteDance, especially in regard to data sharing and algorithm control.

Despite the setback, Trump and Vice President JD Vance—who has been overseeing the TikTok negotiations—had both expressed optimism that a deal would be struck by the deadline. However, the new tariffs threw a wrench in the works. ByteDance notified the White House on Thursday morning that they would be pulling out of the deal until the tariff issue was resolved.

With no clear resolution on the horizon, the Trump administration decided to extend the enforcement of the TikTok ban by another 75 days, giving more time to navigate the complexities of the deal and the trade tensions with China.

For the time being, TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users can continue to use the app, but the uncertainty surrounding the deal raises questions about the app’s long-term future in the country. The escalating trade war between the United States and China adds another layer of complexity to the situation, with little indication from China that they are willing to approve a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations.

“We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs,” Trump said in his Truth Social post. “We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark.’” He added that the U.S. government remains committed to working with TikTok and China to close the deal.

ByteDance, for its part, confirmed on Friday that it is still in discussions with the U.S. government about a potential solution for TikTok U.S. However, the company also acknowledged that the deal remains unresolved and subject to approval under Chinese law.

The delay in enforcing the TikTok ban could spark tensions in Congress. Last year, lawmakers from both parties expressed concerns about TikTok’s national security risks, a sentiment that was upheld by the Supreme Court. Some members of Congress may view the extension as undermining their efforts to protect national security.

“The first extension was controversial, and this second delay only compounds the issue,” said Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law. “It violates the intent of the law and raises concerns about the proper process being followed.”

TikTok, which went offline for several hours before Inauguration Day in January, has previously expressed its willingness to work with the Trump administration on a long-term solution. At that time, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, attended Trump’s inauguration, seated alongside cabinet secretaries and other tech leaders.

Jeremy Goldman, a principal analyst at eMarketer, described the extension as part of Trump’s negotiation strategy. “Drag out the clock, extract leverage, keep the drama simmering, and above all, make sure TikTok stays just visible enough to keep the dealmaking sharks circling,” Goldman said. “As long as TikTok is in limbo, Trump can continue to use it as a bargaining chip in his larger trade negotiations with China.”

With the clock ticking and tensions rising, all eyes are now on the next steps in the TikTok saga, as the deadline extension offers more time for deals—and disputes—to unfold.

Source: CNN – Trump to extend TikTok ban enforcement deadline after China tariffs derail deal

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A Trump administration official confirmed Wednesday that Amazon submitted its offer in a letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not disclose the bid’s specifics. The New York Times first reported the development.

The urgency stems from a national security law upheld by the Supreme Court, which requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform to an approved U.S. buyer or face an operational shutdown in the country. President Donald Trump, who has millions of TikTok followers, temporarily paused the ban on Inauguration Day but has signaled that he expects a resolution by Saturday. While he has the power to delay the ban further, he has also indicated that he prefers a deal to be finalized quickly.

Amazon has declined to comment on the bid, and TikTok has not responded to requests for a statement.

Amazon’s bid isn’t the only one on the table. Several major players have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations, including:

• Oracle: The software giant already holds a 12.5% stake in TikTok Global as part of a 2020 agreement when it became the app’s cloud technology provider.
• Blackstone: The investment firm has also been exploring a potential bid.
• Perplexity AI: The artificial intelligence startup proposed a merger with TikTok’s U.S. operations in January, emphasizing its ability to revamp the platform’s algorithm without creating a monopoly.
• Frank McCourt’s Consortium: The billionaire businessman, along with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian as a strategic adviser, reportedly offered ByteDance $20 billion in cash for TikTok’s U.S. platform.
• Employer.com Founder Jesse Tinsley: Tinsley’s consortium is said to have put forth an offer exceeding $30 billion.
• Wyoming Businessman Reid Rasner: Rasner claims to have made the highest bid so far—approximately $47.5 billion.

The controversy surrounding TikTok isn’t just about business; it’s a matter of national security, according to U.S. officials. Both the FBI and the Federal Communications Commission have expressed concerns that ByteDance could potentially share user data—including browsing history, location tracking, and biometric identifiers—with the Chinese government.

TikTok has repeatedly denied these allegations, stating it has never shared data with Beijing and wouldn’t comply with such requests. However, U.S. officials argue that China’s national security laws could compel ByteDance to hand over user information if demanded by authorities. Despite the warnings, no concrete evidence has been publicly presented to confirm these fears.

Trump’s stance on TikTok has fluctuated over time. During his first term, he signed executive orders banning transactions with ByteDance and WeChat, citing security risks. However, since then, his view of TikTok has softened, particularly as he’s leveraged the platform’s vast reach to engage younger voters. He has acknowledged TikTok’s influence in shaping public opinion and political discourse.

With the Saturday deadline fast approaching, the next few days will be crucial in determining TikTok’s fate in the United States. Whether Amazon’s bid gains traction or another company emerges as the frontrunner remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the battle over TikTok is far from over.

Source: AP News – Amazon’s last-minute bid for TikTok comes as a US ban on the platform is set to take effect Saturday

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The high-stakes meeting comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future, after a law went into effect on January 19 that requires its parent company, ByteDance, to divest ownership due to national security concerns. In a move to buy time, Trump signed an executive order that delayed enforcement of the law until April 5, pushing the deadline for TikTok’s sale or potential ban.

According to a source familiar with the situation, possible investors in the deal include tech giant Oracle and private equity firm Blackstone. The meeting is expected to include key figures such as Vice President JD Vance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump expressed his desire to “see TikTok remain alive,” signaling his intent to find a solution. In the past, he’s suggested that reducing tariffs against China could be part of the negotiations if the country agrees to the sale.

Trump’s relationship with TikTok has been turbulent. During his first term, he attempted to ban the app over security concerns, but legal challenges halted those plans. The Trump administration later explored a sale, though no agreement was reached. More recently, Trump has credited TikTok with helping him secure a significant portion of the youth vote in the 2020 election, where he won the young vote by 36 points—a rare feat for Republicans.

“I think a lot of it could have been TikTok,” Trump remarked, noting the platform’s role in engaging younger voters.

If no deal is struck by April 5, the law mandating TikTok’s divestiture or banning it in the U.S. will come back into effect. However, the deadline may not be set in stone. Trump has suggested that the executive order could be extended if necessary, offering a potential reprieve for the app.

In January, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal law requiring ByteDance to either sell TikTok or face a nationwide ban. Shortly after, TikTok was temporarily taken offline for U.S. users, but was brought back after Trump vowed to stall the ban with an executive order.

While the move has faced some scrutiny, it has not yet been legally challenged.

Though it’s unclear whether ByteDance is willing to sell TikTok, several potential buyers have stepped forward in recent months.

One group showing interest is a consortium led by billionaire Frank McCourt, which has offered ByteDance $20 billion for TikTok’s U.S. operations. This group includes Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian as a strategic adviser and plans to revamp the app with blockchain technology, offering users greater control over their online data.

Another interested party is Jesse Tinsley, the founder of Employer.com, who has assembled a group of investors—including Roblox CEO David Baszucki—to offer more than $30 billion for TikTok.

Additionally, former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Rumble, a conservative-friendly video platform, have expressed interest in the deal. Rumble has even signaled its willingness to join a consortium to purchase TikTok and partner with the company on the tech side.

Other potential buyers include Perplexity AI, an artificial intelligence startup, which proposed a merger with TikTok’s U.S. operations earlier this year.

As the April 5 deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether ByteDance will agree to a sale, or whether TikTok will face a nationwide ban in the U.S. Trump’s meeting on Wednesday will be a critical moment in these ongoing negotiations, and the future of TikTok in America could hinge on the outcome.

Source: – AP News – Trump to hold a meeting on possible investors to buy TikTok with possible ban at stake

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In a bold move, Perplexity AI has submitted a new proposal to TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, offering a plan that would allow the U.S. government to own up to 50% of a newly-formed entity merging Perplexity with TikTok’s U.S. operations. This proposal, presented last week, revises a previous plan Perplexity submitted on January 18—just a day before the law banning TikTok in the U.S. took effect.

The Proposal: A Shift Toward U.S. Control

The latest plan aims to create a structure that would merge San Francisco-based Perplexity with TikTok’s U.S. business. It suggests that the U.S. government could own a significant stake in the new entity once it goes public, with an initial offering estimated at a minimum of $300 billion. However, the U.S. government’s shares would not carry voting rights, and it would not have a seat on the company’s board.

This proposal is a response to feedback from the Trump administration, according to an anonymous source familiar with the matter. Perplexity’s updated plan allows ByteDance to retain a stake in TikTok, while also meeting U.S. concerns about control over the platform’s operations.

ByteDance’s Role in the Deal

Under the proposal, ByteDance would not be required to sever all ties with TikTok, which would benefit its investors. However, the plan stipulates that ByteDance must allow “full U.S. board control.” This would provide U.S. officials with oversight, ensuring that the app’s operations comply with U.S. interests.

Notably, ByteDance would contribute TikTok’s U.S. business, excluding the proprietary algorithm that drives the app’s content recommendations. This move echoes a suggestion made by Steven Mnuchin, Treasury Secretary during Trump’s first term, who discussed the idea of diluting Chinese ownership to satisfy U.S. security concerns. Mnuchin had previously shown interest in investing in TikTok, emphasizing the need to disconnect the technology from China.

A Potential Solution to U.S. Security Concerns

This proposal is part of a broader discussion around TikTok’s ownership and national security. The U.S. government has raised alarms about the potential risks posed by ByteDance’s control over the app’s algorithm and the vast amount of data it collects from American users. While there’s been no concrete evidence that TikTok has shared data with Chinese authorities or allowed interference in its algorithm, the Biden administration has expressed ongoing concerns.

The Growing Interest in TikTok’s Future

As talks surrounding TikTok’s future intensify, several investors are showing strong interest in the platform. President Trump recently stated that a deal could materialize within 30 days. He mentioned receiving interest from “substantial people” and stressed that the U.S. would need to benefit from any deal made.

Trump also addressed rumors about Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle, potentially leading a bid for TikTok’s global operations. While Trump confirmed that he had not discussed a deal with Ellison, he noted that many other parties were involved in negotiations.

TikTok’s Ban and Legal Challenges

The U.S. government had passed a bipartisan law in 2024 mandating TikTok’s ban unless it severed ties with ByteDance. Though the Supreme Court upheld the law, Trump issued an executive order to pause enforcement for 75 days, providing additional time for negotiations.

TikTok briefly shut down in the U.S. last week but resumed operations after Trump intervened. Notably, Trump had previously tried to ban TikTok during his first term, but he reversed his stance, crediting the platform for helping him connect with younger voters in the 2024 election.

Looking Ahead

As negotiations continue, the future of TikTok remains uncertain. With mounting concerns over national security and ongoing discussions about ownership restructuring, the platform’s fate could hinge on upcoming proposals like Perplexity AI’s. How ByteDance responds—and whether the U.S. government takes a more active role in overseeing the company—will be pivotal in determining TikTok’s future in the U.S.

Source

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YouTube and TikTok star MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has officially entered the race to buy TikTok, leading a group of investors. This move comes as the social media platform faces a 75-day deadline to secure a non-Chinese owner or risk a permanent ban in the U.S.

On January 13th, Donaldson posted a lighthearted message on X, saying, “Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned.” While his tone was playful, his lawyer confirmed to CNN that Donaldson was serious about the bid. As the most popular YouTuber and third-most popular TikToker, Donaldson’s involvement has added a new twist to the ongoing TikTok saga.

A Rapid Turn of Events for TikTok

TikTok’s future has been in jeopardy for weeks, with legal battles and political pressure mounting. On Saturday night, the app temporarily went dark as a nationwide ban appeared imminent. However, after President Donald Trump announced he would sign an executive order delaying the ban by 75 days, TikTok was back online within 12 hours.

Just two days after his post on X, Donaldson shared a TikTok video, revealing that he had “just gotten out of a meeting with a bunch of billionaires” and was serious about purchasing the platform. “TikTok, we mean business,” Donaldson declared, introducing his lawyer and confirming that an offer was on the table.

The Bid: A Serious Attempt to Keep TikTok Alive

Donaldson’s bid is a direct response to a recent Supreme Court ruling, which upheld a federal law banning TikTok unless ByteDance, the app’s Chinese parent company, sells the platform to a non-China-based company. This ruling has left TikTok in a race against time.

Leading the investment group is Jesse Tinsley, CEO of Employer.com, who is joined by “institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals” determined to save TikTok from being shut down. According to the group, the proposal would not disrupt TikTok’s operations, ensuring continuity for its 170 million American users.

Tinsley emphasized, “Our offer represents a win-win solution that preserves this vital platform while addressing legitimate national security concerns.” However, the bid’s financial details have not been disclosed.

A Looming Deadline for TikTok

Talk of selling TikTok to a U.S.-based company has been circulating since 2020 when President Trump first issued an executive order attempting to ban the app. Last week, after the Supreme Court upheld the federal law, TikTok faced a tough decision: either sell to a new buyer or risk being shut down.

Over the weekend, TikTok displayed a message indicating the ban was imminent. “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now,” it read. However, Trump’s executive order signed on Monday extended the ban’s enforcement for 75 days, providing temporary relief but not a permanent solution. To avoid a permanent shutdown, ByteDance would need to find a buyer, or Congress could pass a new law to overturn the ban—a highly unlikely scenario given the bipartisan support for the current legislation.

Other Bids and Potential Buyers

MrBeast is not the only one interested in acquiring TikTok. Reports have surfaced that Chinese officials have considered selling a portion of the app to tech mogul Elon Musk, though neither ByteDance nor Musk has commented on the rumors.

Additionally, “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” a group that includes Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary and billionaire Frank McCourt, has also made an offer to buy the platform. This group, backed by Guggenheim Securities and Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, is also eager to prevent TikTok’s disappearance.

TikTok’s U.S. assets, excluding its valuable algorithm, are estimated to be worth between $40 billion and $50 billion, according to Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives. However, the true value of TikTok lies largely in its algorithm, making it difficult to put an exact price tag on the company.

McCourt’s group has not disclosed their offer publicly but has indicated that they value the assets at around $20 billion. O’Leary and McCourt’s group stated, “We will refrain from publicly sharing the financial specifics of our offer until ByteDance is in a position to review our proposal.”

The Race Against Time

With the clock ticking, TikTok is facing a pivotal moment. Whether it’s MrBeast and his group of investors, Elon Musk, or another bidder, one thing is clear: TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance. As more offers flood in, the platform’s future will ultimately depend on whether a deal can be reached before the 75-day deadline expires.

Source

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Key Developments:

1. Trump’s Executive Order: President-elect Donald Trump plans to issue an executive order on Monday extending the time before the TikTok ban takes effect.
2. 50% U.S. Ownership: Trump proposes a joint venture with 50% American ownership to secure TikTok’s operations in the U.S.
3. Opposition Within GOP: Republican senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts oppose any temporary reprieve for TikTok.

TikTok’s Restoration Process

TikTok began restoring its services on Sunday after Trump announced plans to revive the app’s access in the U.S.

“Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it,” Trump stated during a rally, emphasizing the app’s importance to over 170 million American users and 7 million small businesses. Hours before the rally, TikTok acknowledged the developments, stating: “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.”

The app’s return comes after a temporary shutdown on Saturday due to a law banning it on national security grounds. TikTok’s website began functioning for some users, but as of Sunday evening, the app remained unavailable for download on U.S. app stores.

TikTok’s Message to Users

TikTok issued a statement expressing gratitude to Trump for “providing necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers.” The company credited the administration with helping maintain service for millions of users and small businesses reliant on the platform.

U.S.-China Relations

Trump’s intervention to save TikTok marks a significant shift in his stance. In 2020, he sought to ban the app over concerns about data misuse by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. However, recent developments indicate a more collaborative approach, with Trump stating he has “a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” citing its role in winning over young voters.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Washington criticized the U.S. for suppressing TikTok, vowing to safeguard its interests. The tensions underline broader issues in U.S.-China relations, with Trump planning to impose tariffs on China while seeking direct dialogue with its leadership.

Legal and Political Backlash

Republican senators criticized the move to delay the TikTok ban. In a joint statement, Senators Cotton and Ricketts said, “Now that the law has taken effect, there is no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension’ of its effective date. For TikTok to return, ByteDance must sever all ties with Communist China.”

The law banning TikTok, passed overwhelmingly by Congress, grants the administration authority to ban or seek divestitures of Chinese-owned apps. This unprecedented move against a major social media platform has sparked debates about data security and economic implications.

Economic and Business Impact

Marketing firms dependent on TikTok have scrambled to develop contingency plans. Web searches for “VPN” spiked as users sought alternative access to the platform. Meanwhile, concerns grew over TikTok Shop orders and the app’s e-commerce operations.

ByteDance’s other apps, including CapCut and Lemon8, were also affected, remaining offline in the U.S. on Saturday. Tech giants Apple and Google did not respond to inquiries about the app store removals.

Future Prospects

Trump’s proposed joint venture could include major U.S. stakeholders. Reports suggest interest from former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and discussions about a potential sale to billionaire Elon Musk, though ByteDance denied such talks. Analysts estimate TikTok’s U.S. operations could be worth as much as $50 billion.

Perplexity AI, a U.S. search engine startup, has also expressed interest in merging with TikTok’s U.S. operations, proposing a new entity combining other partners.

Conclusion

TikTok’s restoration highlights the complex interplay of technology, politics, and international relations. As Trump’s administration works toward a resolution, the app’s future remains uncertain amid legal challenges, political opposition, and evolving U.S.-China dynamics.

Source

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In a dramatic development on Saturday evening, TikTok was removed from both the Apple and Google app stores, just before a federal law aimed at banning the popular social media platform was set to take effect. By 10:50 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, users could no longer find TikTok available for download in the U.S., as the law mandated that TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, either sell its U.S. operation or face a complete ban.

Pop-Up Message Alerts Users of TikTok’s Temporary Shutdown

When users attempted to open the TikTok app on Saturday evening, they were greeted with a pop-up message stating that the app was no longer accessible. The message read, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”

The message further added, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!” Prior to this, TikTok had informed users that the service would be “temporarily unavailable” and that the company was working to restore access as soon as possible.

The Legal Battle Over TikTok’s U.S. Operations

The federal law, signed by President Joe Biden last year, required ByteDance to divest its stake in TikTok’s U.S. business or face a ban. ByteDance had nine months to find an approved buyer for the U.S. operation. However, after TikTok lost its fight in the Supreme Court on Friday, the company faced the looming consequences of the law.

Under the new statute, mobile app stores were prohibited from offering TikTok, and internet hosting services could no longer deliver the app to American users. Although both White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated that the Biden administration would leave the law’s enforcement to President-elect Donald Trump, TikTok’s legal team was vocal in its opposition.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, TikTok issued a statement, warning that it “will be forced to go dark” unless the administration made a definitive statement to the companies providing TikTok’s U.S. services.

Trump’s Response and Possible Extension

In a Saturday interview with NBC News, President-elect Donald Trump indicated that he was considering granting TikTok a 90-day extension to continue operating in the U.S. The law permits the sitting president to extend the deadline by 90 days if a sale is in progress, though no clear buyer has emerged. ByteDance has previously stated that it has no intention of selling TikTok.

Trump hinted that this extension “will probably” be announced on Monday, providing a temporary reprieve for the platform.

Perplexity AI Proposes Deal to ByteDance

On Saturday, a new development surfaced when artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI submitted a proposal to ByteDance. According to a person familiar with the matter, Perplexity’s offer suggested creating a new entity that would merge Perplexity with TikTok’s U.S. operations. This structure would include other investors and allow ByteDance’s current shareholders to retain a stake in TikTok. Importantly, Perplexity’s offer did not involve acquiring TikTok’s popular algorithm, which drives the platform’s content recommendations.

Other Potential Buyers Eye TikTok

TikTok has drawn interest from other investors as well. Recently, “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary revealed that he and billionaire Frank McCourt had assembled a consortium of investors offering ByteDance $20 billion in cash for the U.S. business. Additionally, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin expressed interest in forming an investor group to purchase TikTok last year.

As the situation unfolds, TikTok’s fate in the U.S. remains uncertain, with President Trump’s decision on a potential extension expected in the coming days.

Source

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President-elect Donald Trump announced he will “most likely” grant TikTok a 90-day extension to comply with U.S. law requiring the social media platform to be sold by its China-based parent company or face a shutdown.

Trump’s Statement

In a phone interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump said, “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it’s appropriate.” He added that if he decides to grant the extension, the announcement would likely be made on Monday, the day of his inauguration.

Deadline Looms

The current deadline set by the law requires TikTok to shut down operations in the U.S. by Sunday unless it complies. A 90-day extension would give TikTok additional time to meet the legal requirements and avoid going offline.

Supreme Court Decision

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law on Friday, solidifying the legal grounds for the shutdown if compliance is not achieved. Despite this, the Biden administration has stated it would not enforce a shutdown in the days leading up to Trump’s inauguration.

TikTok’s Response

TikTok has indicated that without the extension, it would have to “go dark” this weekend. The company has been exploring potential buyers and solutions to address U.S. security concerns related to its Chinese ownership.

What’s Next?

All eyes are on Monday for Trump’s potential announcement. A decision to extend the deadline would provide TikTok with additional time to restructure and ensure continued operation in the U.S. market.

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As the deadline for a potential TikTok ban draws near, the future of the popular social media platform remains uncertain. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court spent two-and-a-half hours hearing arguments on whether TikTok can legally be banned in the United States starting next week. The discussion suggested that the justices might allow the U.S. government to force TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the platform or shut it down entirely.

The Background: Why is TikTok at Risk?

Last spring, President Joe Biden signed legislation mandating that ByteDance sell TikTok or face a nationwide ban. The law, set to take effect on January 19, cites national security concerns due to TikTok’s ties to China. Critics of the platform allege that ByteDance could share user data with the Chinese government, a claim the company has repeatedly denied.

TikTok, however, argues that the law violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects free speech. The company is seeking to delay the enforcement of the law, claiming that banning the app infringes upon the rights of its users.

What Happens if TikTok is Banned?

If the ban takes effect this Sunday, Apple and Google will no longer be able to offer TikTok for download to new users. Although existing users would still be able to access the app, the platform is expected to degrade over time. Without updates, technical support, and maintenance, TikTok could eventually become unusable.

A Changing Political Landscape

The timing of the ban adds another layer of complexity. President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sworn into office on January 20, just one day after the ban could be implemented. In late December, Trump urged the Supreme Court to delay the deadline, arguing that his incoming administration should have the opportunity to resolve the matter politically.

What’s Next?

As the clock ticks toward January 19, all eyes are on the Supreme Court’s decision. A ruling could determine not only TikTok’s fate but also set a significant precedent for how social media platforms with international ties are regulated in the United States.

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