TikTok could be getting a new owner soon — at least, that’s what Donald Trump is saying. In a Sunday morning interview on Fox News, the former president claimed that a group of “very wealthy people” is ready to buy TikTok. But he didn’t drop any names. Not yet. “We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way,” Trump said, before adding that the deal might still need China’s approval. “I think President Xi will probably do it,” he added. So, What’s the Deal? So, What’s the Deal? To put it simply: TikTok has been under fire in the U.S. for a while. Lawmakers are worried that its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, might be too close to China’s government. The fear? That TikTok could hand over U.S. user data or be used to spread propaganda. That’s why there’s been serious talk — for years now — about forcing ByteDance to either sell the app to American buyers or face a ban in the U.S. Trump was one of the first big voices pushing for a sale back when he was in office. And now, he says a deal might finally be happening. might finally Who’s Buying It? Who’s Buying It? Good question. Trump didn’t say. He just called them “very wealthy people” and said he’d tell us more in — you guessed it — two weeks. That’s kind of become his go-to timeline for announcements. two weeks There have been rumors in the past. He’s floated the idea of Larry Ellison (Oracle’s co-founder) or even Elon Musk stepping in. But it sounds like Musk isn’t really in the mix anymore. What Happens If It Gets Sold? What Happens If It Gets Sold? If this sale goes through, it could mean big changes for how TikTok operates in the U.S. Here’s what might happen: User data could be stored and managed in the U.S.
American investors might have more control over what’s shown on the platform.
The app could avoid being banned altogether. User data could be stored and managed in the U.S. American investors might have more control over what’s shown on the platform. The app could avoid being banned altogether. For content creators and businesses who use TikTok every day, that’s a huge deal. A ban would be a major blow to millions of users who rely on it for income, marketing, or just everyday entertainment. Still, A Lot Is Up in the Air Still, A Lot Is Up in the Air It’s not the first time Trump has teased a TikTok deal. Back in January, he mentioned an idea where the U.S. government would somehow end up owning 50% of the app through a joint venture. That never happened. So, will this new sale actually go through? It’s hard to say. Even if Trump is telling the truth, there’s still a long way to go. China might not approve the sale.
ByteDance hasn’t confirmed anything.
And we don’t even know who the buyers are yet. China might not approve the sale. ByteDance hasn’t confirmed anything. And we don’t even know who the buyers are yet. Why This Matters Why This Matters TikTok isn’t just a fun app anymore. It’s a cultural powerhouse. With over 170 million users in the U.S., it’s where trends are born, businesses are launched, and political conversations happen. 170 million users in the U.S. million users So, what happens next will affect: Creatorswho make money on the platform
Brands that advertise there
Policymakerswho are still figuring out how to regulate social media
Every day users who just love scrolling their FYP Creatorswho make money on the platform Creators Brands that advertise there Brands t Policymakerswho are still figuring out how to regulate social media Policymakers Every day users who just love scrolling their FYP Every day users In Short In Short Here’s a quick summary of what’s going on: Trump says a buyer is lined up to purchase TikTok.
He didn’t say who they are but promised to reveal it “in two weeks.”
China might need to sign off on the deal.
Previous sale ideas (like involving Elon Musk or Larry Ellison) didn’t pan out.
TikTok is still under pressure in the U.S. due to security concerns.
A sale could help avoid a nationwide ban —but only if everything goes smoothly. Trump says a buyer is lined up to purchase TikTok. He didn’t say who they are but promised to reveal it “in two weeks.” China might need to sign off on the deal. Previous sale ideas (like involving Elon Musk or Larry Ellison) didn’t pan out. TikTok is still under pressure in the U.S. due to security concerns. A sale could help avoid a nationwide ban —but only if everything goes smoothly. ban — Final Thoughts Final Thoughts This isn’t the first time we’ve heard big promises about TikTok’s future — and it might not be the last. But if Trump’s claims are true, we could finally see a deal that puts TikTok under new ownership. For now, it’s all just talk. But stay tuned — if Trump’s “two weeks” timeline holds up, we might get answers soon.

ByteDance

Every

Grammarly Expands into AI Email with Superhuman Acquisition

a16z Thinks Controversial Startup Cluely Is the Future of AI

Read My Stories

Visit Website 

Too Long; Didn't Read

Boost your HackerNoon story @ $159.99! 🚀

Trump Says TikTok Might Finally Be Sold — But He’s Keeping Names Secret for Now

About Author

Comments

TOPICS

THIS ARTICLE WAS FEATURED IN

Related Stories

Untitled Story

a16z Thinks Controversial Startup Cluely Is the Future of AI

A Silicon Valley guide to vote

How AI Can Affect Public Opinions Online

Ajit Pai, Trump, Net Neutrality and You

An Open Letter to President Trump on Crypto

a16z Thinks Controversial Startup Cluely Is the Future of AI

A Silicon Valley guide to vote

How AI Can Affect Public Opinions Online

Ajit Pai, Trump, Net Neutrality and You

An Open Letter to President Trump on Crypto

Light-Mode

Classic

Newspaper

Dark-Mode

Neon Noir

Minty

HN StartUps