Washington: Microsoft is negotiating to acquire TikTok, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. He expressed a desire for a “bidding war” over the popular social media app. When asked if Microsoft was preparing a bid, Trump confidently replied, “I would say yes.” He also noted that there is significant interest in TikTok from various companies.
Background of the TikTok Sale
For years, both Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, have pressured TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations due to national security concerns. This pressure has been part of a broader effort to ensure that American data remains secure and is not accessible to foreign governments.
Recently, Trump signed an executive order that temporarily delayed a ban on TikTok initiated by the Biden Administration. This order briefly took the app offline for its 170 million users in the United States. The reprieve granted TikTok a 75-day extension, allowing it to continue operating while discussions about its future took place.
Microsoft’s Previous Interest
The discussions between ByteDance and Microsoft are not new. In August 2020, ByteDance approached Microsoft as a potential buyer. However, the U.S. company’s CEO later described the situation as “the strangest thing.” Eventually, TikTok explored a partnership with Oracle, but that deal also fell through.
Despite these past challenges, Trump stated that he had been in talks with several parties about purchasing TikTok. He expects to make a decision regarding the app’s future within the next 30 days.
Microsoft’s Response and Future Prospects
A spokesperson for Microsoft commented that the company had “nothing to share at this time” regarding the potential acquisition. During a recent gathering of Republican politicians in Florida, Trump addressed the proposed sale of TikTok. He expressed hope that a successful deal would save jobs and prevent China from being involved in the app’s operations. “If we can save all that voice and all the jobs, and China won’t be involved, we don’t want China involved,” he said.
Other Interested Parties
Several high-profile individuals have been linked to the potential purchase of TikTok. Billionaire Frank McCourt and Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, known as a celebrity investor on Shark Tank, have both shown interest. Additionally, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, the biggest YouTuber globally, claimed he is also in the running. Following an earlier tweet indicating his interest, a number of investors reached out to him.
Conclusion
As discussions about the future of TikTok continue, the possibility of Microsoft acquiring the app remains a hot topic. The outcome of these talks could significantly impact the social media landscape and users in the United States. With the clock ticking, all eyes will be on how this bidding war unfolds in the coming weeks.
