US President Donald Trump has indicated that Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok, expressing a desire for a "bidding war" for the app. When questioned about Microsoft's potential bid, Trump confirmed there is "great interest in TikTok" from multiple companies. Both Trump and former President Joe Biden have sought to compel TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its US operations due to national security concerns.
Recently, Trump signed an executive order to postpone a Biden Administration ban on TikTok, which had temporarily affected its 170 million US users. Although Trump initiated pressure on ByteDance to sell TikTok, he granted a 75-day reprieve from the ban. In August 2020, ByteDance had approached Microsoft regarding a purchase, which the company's CEO later found unusual. TikTok later considered Oracle as a partner, but that deal did not materialize.
Trump has mentioned ongoing discussions with various parties about TikTok's future, expecting a decision within 30 days. A Microsoft spokesperson stated there is no new information to share, and the BBC has sought comments from TikTok. During a recent event in Florida, Trump reiterated the possibility of multiple bidders for TikTok, emphasizing the desire to keep China out of the deal.
Other potential buyers mentioned include billionaire Frank McCourt, Canadian businessman Kevin O'Leary, and popular YouTuber MrBeast, who has expressed interest after being contacted by investors.
