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Trump Claims Buyer Lined Up for TikTok: Who Might Be the Potential Saviour?

Monday, June 30, 2025 by Ernesto Alvarez

Trump Claims Buyer Lined Up for TikTok: Who Might Be the Potential Saviour?
App of TikTok and Donald Trump - Image by © Collage/Social Media

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that a buyer is in sight for the popular social media platform TikTok, whose presence in the United States has been under threat due to its connections with China. "We have a buyer for TikTok. We'll probably need China's approval," Trump stated during an interview on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures. Although he did not disclose any names, he hinted that a major, "very wealthy" tech company would be revealed in the coming weeks.

Is TikTok Facing Shutdown?

Under the previous administration of former President Joe Biden, Congress passed legislation requiring TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, by January 20, the day Trump officially returned to the White House. Failure to do so would result in a ban on the platform due to national security concerns, fearing that the Chinese government could access the personal data of American citizens.

When no buyer was found in time, TikTok faced a brief suspension in the U.S. until Trump intervened on his first day back in office, granting a 75-day extension. On June 19, he extended this period by an additional 90 days, allowing the app to operate until September 17.

The Political Dimension of TikTok

Beyond the official narrative, Trump himself has admitted to having a "soft spot" for the social network. According to him, TikTok played a crucial role in his electoral victory last November by bolstering his image among young voters. This insight reveals a political layer to the negotiation: TikTok is not merely an app for viral videos but a strategic platform for influence and connection with millions of users, including thousands of young Cubans in the U.S. and Cuba, who use it to inform, express themselves, and circumvent censorship.

For many Cubans in America, TikTok has been a window into their reality, a platform to denounce repression, share humor about daily life, promote alternative music, and maintain contact with family and followers. The potential shutdown in the U.S. raises concerns not only about the economic impact on creators but also the symbolic blow to a network where they have found their voice.

Currently, it seems Trump aims to prevent a total shutdown, albeit with conditions: a "secure" buyer, preferably American, and China's approval. Reports suggest several major U.S. companies have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok's U.S. operations, including Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and the investment firm Blackstone. However, no official offer has been accepted thus far.

Sources close to the negotiation indicate that Amazon has already submitted a formal proposal to government officials, but this has not yet been confirmed or responded to by the White House. Meanwhile, Trump has suggested a viable solution might involve creating a joint venture, with a 50% stake for the United States, though it is unclear if this proposal is progressing in discussions.

As the negotiation terms are being defined, TikTok has already started to experience technical restrictions. The app has been removed from Apple's App Store in the United States, preventing new downloads and limiting updates.

TikTok Acquisition and Shutdown Concerns

Why is TikTok facing a potential shutdown in the U.S.?

TikTok is facing a potential shutdown in the U.S. due to national security concerns over its ties with the Chinese company ByteDance. The fear is that the Chinese government could access personal data of American users.

Which companies are interested in buying TikTok's U.S. operations?

Several major U.S. companies have shown interest, including Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and Blackstone, but no official offer has been accepted yet.

What role did TikTok play in Trump's electoral victory?

TikTok reportedly played a significant role in Trump's electoral victory by enhancing his image among young voters, making it a strategic platform for political influence.

How has TikTok been affected by the ongoing negotiations?

TikTok has faced technical restrictions, such as being removed from the App Store in the U.S., which prevents new downloads and limits updates.

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