Trump Claims He's Found Wealthy Buyers for TikTok Amid Ban Controversy

In an interview, former President Donald Trump hinted at a potential buyer for TikTok, amidst ongoing national security concerns and pending legalities surrounding its ownership.

In a Fox News discussion, Donald Trump revealed he has “a group of very wealthy people” interested in acquiring TikTok, raising questions about the app's future and the political maneuvers surrounding it. Trump stated he would reveal more in about two weeks, indicating a possible change in the app's ownership amid US national security issues.

The app, which has faced a ban in the US due to fears it could transmit user data to the Chinese government, was previously mandated to be sold under a law passed by Congress in April of last year. However, Trump has delayed the enforcement of this law multiple times, suggesting he believes the current Chinese President Xi Jinping may approve a sale to the unnamed buyers.

The legal journey of TikTok has become complicated, as a deal with American buyers fell through following heightened tensions between the US and China over tariffs. Despite these hurdles, Trump’s current enthusiasm for supporting TikTok appears to be driven by his perspective of using the platform as a vehicle for his 2024 election campaign.

The ticking clock is evident with a new deadline of September 17 set for the sale negotiations between TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and the propounded buyers, although concerns loom regarding the possible implications for user data security and governmental overreach. TikTok has challenged the legality of the mandated sale but faced setbacks in court, raising uncertainties about its operational future in the US market.