Trump Confirms Microsoft in Talks to Acquire TikTok Amid US Uncertainty

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that Microsoft is in discussions to acquire TikTok, a move that comes as the popular video-sharing app’s future in the United States remains uncertain.

TikTok is currently under pressure from US law, which mandates that its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divest from the app or face a ban in the country. The law, which cites concerns over potential Chinese government exploitation of TikTok for espionage or influencing US public opinion, took effect on January 19.

When asked about the talks during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “I would say yes” when confirming Microsoft’s involvement in discussions. He added, “There’s a lot of interest in TikTok, there’s great interest in TikTok,” noting that a “bidding war” could be a positive development for the app’s future in the US.

The law, which would have led to TikTok’s ban, was suspended for two and a half months, allowing time for negotiations with Beijing to find a resolution. Microsoft has been identified as a potential buyer due to its interest in expanding its presence in the digital advertising space, according to Angelo Zino from CFRA Research.

TikTok had temporarily halted its operations in the US as the deadline for the law approached. However, President Trump intervened by promising an executive order to delay the ban and allow time to “make a deal.” Following this, TikTok resumed its service in the country, attributing the reversal to Trump’s intervention, although the incoming Biden administration had previously stated that it would not enforce the ban.

During his first term, Trump had sought to ban TikTok due to national security concerns related to its ties to China.

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