American investors are showing significant interest in acquiring TikTok’s US operations, according to the US president.
President Trump has indicated that Microsoft is among the companies considering a bid for TikTok’s US subsidiary, as reported by various media outlets.
Following a missed deadline to divest its US operations, as mandated by a Supreme Court ruling citing national security concerns, TikTok briefly shut down in the US last weekend.
Trump subsequently announced a 90-day extension and proposed a plan for US acquisition of a majority stake in TikTok.
Responding to reporters on Air Force One, Trump confirmed Microsoft’s consideration of a bid, stating there’s “a lot of interest” in TikTok.
While acknowledging other interested companies, Trump declined to name them, expressing a preference for “bidding wars” to secure the best deal.
A successful Microsoft acquisition would place TikTok under the control of a major American tech firm with a growing presence in AI and gaming.
Microsoft has not yet commented on these reports.
With approximately 170 million US users, TikTok has attracted considerable interest from American investors, driven by government demands for US ownership or market removal.
Perplexity AI has proposed a merger with TikTok’s US operations, suggesting a potential government stake of up to 50% following an IPO. Additionally, billionaire Frank McCourt has formally offered to acquire TikTok’s US assets.
In 2020, Microsoft and Oracle competed for TikTok’s acquisition during a previous attempt by Trump to force a sale.
Trump initially favored a TikTok ban but later reversed his stance, attributing the app’s popularity among young voters to a boost in his electoral support.
Trump recently stated he’s in discussions with significant parties about purchasing TikTok and anticipates a decision within 30 days.
He emphasized that any deal must benefit the United States, adding that saving TikTok would be economically advantageous for the country.
Trump initially proposed a 50-50 joint venture between ByteDance and American investors. He recently suggested that TikTok would be “worthless” without a US operating permit, but could be valued at $1 trillion with one.