The future of TikTok in the United States is set to be determined within 30 days, according to US President Donald Trump. Speaking aboard Air Force One during a flight to Florida on Saturday, Trump confirmed ongoing discussions with various parties regarding the app’s operations and ownership.
“I have spoken to many people about TikTok, and there is great interest in TikTok,” Trump said. While the president acknowledged the numerous proposals under review, he emphasised that Congress has given a 90-day window to resolve the matter.
According to a report by Reuters, the Trump administration is exploring a deal involving Oracle Corporation alongside external investors to take control of TikTok’s US operations. The app’s parent company, ByteDance Ltd, would retain a minority stake, but Oracle would handle data collection and software updates to address national security concerns.
The negotiations involve ByteDance’s current US investors, including Susquehanna International Group, General Atlantic LLC, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, and Sequoia Capital LLC. Oracle, which already supports TikTok’s web infrastructure, has expressed interest in securing a stake valued in the tens of billions, National Public Radio (NPR) reported.
Despite the discussions, Trump clarified that he has not directly spoken to Oracle’s CEO, Larry Ellison, regarding the purchase. “Numerous people are talking to me, very substantial people, about buying it,” Trump stated, adding that the decision would likely be made within the next month.
TikTok has faced scrutiny over its ties to China. US officials have raised concerns that ByteDance’s ownership could enable the Chinese government to access American users’ data. TikTok, which has 170 million US users, has denied these allegations, stating that all user data is stored on US-based servers.
In 2022, TikTok and Oracle entered into an agreement to store US users’ information, but new conditions have surfaced as Congress has demanded ByteDance sell its US operations or face a potential ban. Shortly before the law requiring the divestiture took effect on 19 January, the app was briefly taken offline.
The Trump administration’s proposed solution includes maintaining TikTok’s current management while shifting control of US data to Oracle. Sources involved in the discussions indicated that the deal’s details remain fluid, with the scope potentially extending beyond the United States.
Another challenge is securing approval from Congress. Free speech advocates have opposed TikTok’s potential ban, citing concerns over government overreach. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed a desire for the US government to hold a 50 percent stake in any joint venture involving TikTok.
Meetings between Oracle and White House officials occurred last week, with additional discussions scheduled. NPR noted that addressing congressional concerns would be pivotal to finalising the agreement.
ByteDance continues to challenge the assertions of US officials, reiterating that its recommendation algorithms and user data are protected from foreign interference. However, the resolution of TikTok’s future rests on balancing national security, economic interests, and congressional approval in the coming weeks.