U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration is negotiating with four different groups regarding the sale of TikTok's U.S. operations, stating that all options remain open.
According to a Reuters report, Trump made the disclosure while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.
His statement comes amid mounting pressure on ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, to divest the app due to national security concerns.
TikTok Faces Sale Deadline Amid U.S. Pressure
When asked whether a deal for TikTok was imminent, Trump responded, "It could." He added, "We're dealing with four different groups, and a lot of people want it … all four are good."
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The future of TikTok has been uncertain since a U.S. law requiring ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban took effect on January 19, 2025. The law was enacted over concerns that the platform poses a data privacy risk due to its ties to China.
However, after taking office on January 20, 2025, Trump delayed enforcement of the law by 75 days, citing the need to assess the best course of action regarding TikTok.
Potential U.S. Ownership and Trade Threats
Under the law, TikTok must secure a deal with a U.S. buyer to continue operations. Trump has suggested that the platform should be owned through a joint venture in which at least 50% of the company is controlled by U.S. investors.
He also warned China that any attempt to block the sale could lead to tariffs of "25, 30, 50%, even 100%."
TikTok has repeatedly denied allegations that it shares user data with the Chinese government, emphasizing that it operates independently. The company has also made efforts to distance itself from its parent company by establishing U.S. operations and hiring American executives.
With the deadline fast approaching, all eyes remain on the ongoing negotiations and the potential impact on TikTok's future in the U.S. market.
