U.S. President Donald Trump discussed potential talks between Microsoft and TikTok, saying he wants to see a “bidding war” over the social media app. Trump confirmed interest in acquiring TikTok after news outlets reported on the possibility. Both Trump and Joe Biden have sought to pressure ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell its U.S. operations due to national security concerns.
Earlier this week, Trump signed an executive order delaying a Biden administration ban on TikTok, briefly suspending the app for 170 million users in the U.S. Despite granting TikTok a reprieve, Trump was the first president to push ByteDance to sell its app. In August 2020, ByteDance approached Microsoft as a potential buyer, but CEO Satya Nadella later described this as “the strangest thing.” TikTok then chose Oracle as a rival offer, though that deal also fell through.
Trump has reportedly been in talks with multiple parties about purchasing TikTok and expects to make a decision within the next 30 days. Microsoft declined to share details at this time, while the BBC reached out to TikTok for comment. Earlier in the week, Trump addressed Republican politicians in Florida, promising “a lot of people will bid on it” if the sale goes ahead without involving China.
Notable figures have also shown interest in TikTok, including billionaire Frank McCourt, Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, and internet sensation Jimmy Donaldson (“MrBeast”). Several investors contacted Mr. Donaldson after a tweet indicating his own potential involvement.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g3z55zz7xo