U.S. President Donald Trump announced he is considering various options for TikTok’s future, with a decision expected within 30 days. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed discussions with multiple parties expressing interest in the popular app, used by 170 million Americans.
Sources revealed that the White House is negotiating a deal involving Oracle and U.S. investors to oversee TikTok’s U.S. operations. Under the proposed terms, ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, would retain a minority stake, while Oracle would manage data security and software updates. This setup aims to address national security concerns over potential Chinese government access to user data.
Reports suggest ByteDance’s U.S. investors, including Susquehanna International Group, KKR, Sequoia Capital, and General Atlantic, could participate in the deal. Oracle’s interest reportedly involves a substantial financial stake, though specific terms remain fluid. Other groups, such as those led by Frank McCourt and YouTube star Mr. Beast, are not currently involved in these negotiations.
TikTok was briefly taken offline ahead of a law mandating its sale or ban on national security grounds. While Trump initially delayed enforcing this law, he emphasized the importance of securing a fair deal that benefits the U.S., suggesting a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture could be an ideal outcome.
Oracle, already hosting TikTok’s U.S. user data, has been in talks with White House officials to finalize the arrangement. Free speech advocates have opposed the ban, citing mischaracterizations of TikTok’s ties to China.
As discussions continue, securing bipartisan support in Congress remains a critical hurdle for the deal's success.