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Us President Trump Confirms Ongoing Talks With Four Groups Over Tiktok Sale: Report

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US President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration is in discussions with four separate groups regarding the sale of TikTok, as Chinese owner ByteDance faces a looming deadline to divest the popular social media platform or risk a ban, Reuters reported

Speaking to reporters, Trump indicated that multiple parties were interested in acquiring TikTok, stating, “We’re dealing with four different groups, and a lot of people want it… all four are good.”

TikTok, a short-video app widely used in the United States, has been under scrutiny over concerns related to user data security and its ties to the Chinese government. A law enacted on January 19 requires ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations, but Trump, after taking office on January 20, signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of the measure by 75 days, allowing time for further negotiations.

The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future has drawn interest from multiple potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, as analysts estimate the company’s U.S. business could be valued at up to $50 billion.

TikTok Around the World

Several countries worldwide have imposed restrictions or outright bans on TikTok, citing concerns over data privacy, national security, and content moderation. While nations like India, Afghanistan, and Nepal have implemented full bans, others, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European nations, have restricted its use on government-issued devices.

China, despite being home to TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, does not allow TikTok within its borders. Instead, Chinese users have access to Douyin, a similar app that complies with the country’s strict censorship regulations. Additionally, TikTok halted its operations in Hong Kong after Beijing introduced a sweeping national security law. As scrutiny over TikTok’s data policies intensifies, more governments are considering stricter regulations, impacting its global reach and user engagement.

Why It Matters

TikTok’s fate in the United States is more than just a debate about social media—it represents a broader struggle over national security, free speech, and digital influence. As one of the world’s most popular apps, TikTok has been at the center of concerns about data privacy and potential foreign interference, particularly regarding its Chinese ownership. Lawmakers across party lines have raised alarms that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could use the platform to manipulate public opinion or access sensitive user data. At the same time, TikTok has become a major force in digital communication, particularly for younger audiences, making its potential ban a politically sensitive issue. The US government’s handling of TikTok could set a precedent for how democratic nations regulate foreign-owned digital platforms in the future.

Why TikTok Matters for Trump

Five years ago, in 2020, President Trump labeled TikTok a national security threat and moved aggressively to ban the app, citing concerns over China’s influence. In 2020, his administration attempted to force a sale of TikTok’s US operations, warning that its data collection practices could compromise national security. However, legal challenges and a change in administration stalled his efforts.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Trump’s stance on TikTok has taken a dramatic turn. Now a political star on the platform with millions of followers, he has embraced TikTok as a “unique medium for freedom of expression.” His reversal comes at a time when TikTok has become a key battleground for political outreach, with Trump using it as a tool to connect with younger voters.

This shift also coincides with his relationship with billionaire donor Jeff Yass, a significant investor in TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.

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