Trump Reviews Final TikTok Proposal as U.S. Ban Deadline Nears

President Donald Trump is set to review a final proposal on the future of TikTok this week, just days before a U.S. government-imposed deadline that could ban the app unless Chinese parent company ByteDance sells its American operations.

The decision comes amid high-stakes negotiations involving private investors, tech companies, and national security officials, as the administration pushes for non-Chinese ownership of the platform used by over 170 million Americans.

April 5 Deadline Looms

TikTok faces a crucial April 5, 2025 deadline. Under a law passed in 2024 and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, ByteDance must sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or see the platform banned nationwide due to national security concerns.

After taking office in January, Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement until early April to allow more time for a sale.

Oval Office Meeting to Decide TikTok’s Fate

On Wednesday, Trump will meet with senior officials to review final investment options and determine the path forward. Attendees include:

Vice President JD Vance (overseeing the auction process)
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard

The White House has taken a direct role in managing the deal, with JD Vance essentially acting as the lead negotiator for a TikTok sale.

Who Might Buy TikTok?

Several high-profile groups are reportedly preparing bids or exploring partnerships to purchase TikTok’s U.S. business:

1. Blackstone & Existing Non-Chinese ByteDance Investors

In talks to inject new capital and increase ownership stakes
Would carve out the U.S. portion of TikTok under non-Chinese control

2. Oracle Consortium

Includes Andreessen Horowitz, whose co-founder Marc Andreessen is involved
Oracle would serve as TikTok’s cloud infrastructure provider

3. Frank McCourt–Alexis Ohanian Consortium

Proposed a $20 billion cash offer
Plans to integrate blockchain technology to give users more control over data

4. Jesse Tinsley’s Group

Includes leaders from companies like Roblox
Has offered more than $30 billion

5. Other Potential Bidders

Perplexity AI pitched a merger
Microsoft has expressed interest
Steve Mnuchin and Rumble, a conservative-leaning video platform, are exploring roles in a buyout

Trump’s Position: Keep TikTok, but Under U.S. Control

Trump has shifted his stance on TikTok since his first term, now suggesting the app played a role in boosting his popularity among younger voters. Speaking on Air Force One, he said, “I’d like to see TikTok remain alive.”

He also hinted that he could reduce tariffs on China as part of a broader deal if ByteDance complies with U.S. ownership conditions.

Will the Deadline Be Extended?

While April 5 remains the official deadline, Trump has indicated flexibility. If a viable deal is close, he may extend the deadline to finalize negotiations.

If no agreement is reached and no extension is granted, the U.S. ban on TikTok would take effect, although enforcement mechanisms remain unclear.

What’s at Stake?

National Security: Lawmakers say Chinese ownership risks data privacy and foreign influence.
Youth Engagement: TikTok remains a top platform among Gen Z voters.
Global Trade: Trump is balancing tech policy and trade negotiations with China.

As the April 5 deadline approaches, Trump faces mounting pressure to secure a TikTok deal that satisfies national security concerns while keeping the popular app online. With several investment groups in play and negotiations ongoing, the decision made this week could reshape social media ownership and U.S.-China tech relations for years to come.

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