In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump has revealed that a group of affluent investors is poised to acquire the popular short-form video platform, TikTok. This announcement has sparked significant interest and speculation regarding the future of the app, which has been at the center of political discussions for some time.
During a recent interview, Trump stated, “We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way.” He expressed optimism about the deal, suggesting that it may require approval from Chinese authorities, specifically mentioning President Xi Jinping’s potential support. This statement adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations surrounding the app’s ownership.
While Trump has not disclosed the identities of the prospective buyers, he hinted that more information would be available in two weeks, a timeframe he humorously referred to as his “favorite unit of time.” This teaser has left many eager to learn who the wealthy individuals behind the acquisition might be.
In the past, Trump has taken steps to delay legislation that would force TikTok’s current owner to sell the app or face a ban in the United States. Earlier this year, he proposed the idea of a joint venture that would allow for a 50% ownership stake for U.S. interests, indicating his desire to maintain a level of American involvement in the app’s operations.
Additionally, Trump has mentioned the possibility of tech moguls like Larry Ellison or Elon Musk stepping in to purchase TikTok. However, recent developments suggest that Musk may be a less likely candidate for this acquisition, leaving the door open for other potential buyers to emerge.