U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that Microsoft is considering purchasing the popular social media app TikTok. He also mentioned that he hopes to see multiple companies competing to acquire the app.
Neither Microsoft nor TikTok responded to requests for comments about the potential deal.
What’s Next for TikTok in the U.S.?
President Trump previously stated that he has been talking to several parties about the future of TikTok. He expects a decision to be made within the next month. The app, which has approximately 170 million users in the U.S., has been at the center of national security concerns due to its Chinese ownership.
TikTok was temporarily taken offline earlier this year, just before a U.S. law came into effect requiring ByteDance, the app’s parent company, to sell its U.S. operations or face a potential ban.
How Is Trump Handling the TikTok Situation?
On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of this law by 75 days. The extension was intended to provide time for ByteDance to find a buyer or address concerns over how Americans’ data might be used. U.S. officials have previously warned that TikTok could pose risks to user privacy and national security.
Could Microsoft Take the Lead?
If Microsoft moves forward with acquiring TikTok, it could reshape the app’s operations in the U.S. and potentially ease concerns about data security. However, Trump’s comments about wanting a “bidding war” suggest that other companies might also enter the race.
With a final decision expected soon, the spotlight remains on TikTok’s future in the U.S. and whether Microsoft or another company will emerge as its new owner.