Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that negotiations over the future of TikTok’s U.S. operations are nearing a resolution, signaling that a long-standing dispute over the popular Chinese-owned social media app may soon come to an end.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Florida on Wednesday, Trump told supporters, “We are very close to a deal on TikTok, and I think everyone will be very happy with the outcome.” While he did not provide details, the comment comes as pressure mounts over TikTok’s ownership and potential national security risks.
A Renewed Push for U.S. Ownership
The statement follows bipartisan efforts in Congress to force ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. Lawmakers and national security officials have long expressed concerns that TikTok’s data collection practices could pose a risk if user information is accessed by the Chinese government.
During his presidency, Trump attempted to ban the app outright but later pivoted toward a forced sale to U.S. companies. His latest remarks suggest that a similar solution could be on the table once again.
Potential Buyers and Industry Speculation
Several major U.S. tech firms, including Microsoft, Oracle, and private equity groups, have previously been in talks to acquire a stake in TikTok’s American operations. Some reports indicate that new discussions may involve a joint ownership model, where a U.S.-based company takes control of TikTok’s domestic data infrastructure.
“There’s a strong likelihood that any deal will involve strict data security measures and oversight to satisfy concerns in Washington,” said Alex Carter, a technology policy analyst at the Center for Digital Security.
China’s Response and ByteDance’s Stance
The Chinese government has opposed a forced divestment of TikTok, labeling it an unfair move against Chinese technology companies. ByteDance, meanwhile, has repeatedly stated that TikTok operates independently from China, with U.S. data stored separately in Texas-based servers through a program known as Project Texas.
A spokesperson for ByteDance declined to comment on Trump’s remarks but reaffirmed that the company remains committed to protecting user data and working with U.S. regulators.
What’s Next for TikTok?
With the 2024 presidential election cycle intensifying, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains a politically charged issue. The platform, which boasts over 150 million American users, has become a key battleground in discussions about data privacy, free speech, and global technology competition.
Analysts predict that if Trump secures re-election, he could fast-track new restrictions or force a sale to a U.S. entity. However, any deal would likely face legal and regulatory challenges from both ByteDance and the Chinese government.
For now, TikTok users and tech industry leaders await further clarity as negotiations unfold.