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The Race to Buy TikTok: Who Will Win Control of the Social Media Giant?

Source: YouTube
The battle to buy TikTok has reached a fever pitch, with President Donald Trump at the center of negotiations. The app, which boasts 170 million users in the United States, faces potential shutdown unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its US operations. The Trump administration is working to broker a deal, and cited national security concerns over TikTok’s data practices under Chinese ownership.
The clock is ticking, as Trump recently announced a 75-day extension to the app’s operation in the US. During this time, he expects a resolution, stating that “there is great interest in TikTok” from numerous potential buyers.
Who’s in the Running to Buy TikTok?
Among the frontrunners to buy TikTok, Microsoft emerged as a serious contender. The tech giant, with its vast resources and experience in managing cloud infrastructure, appears well-positioned to take over the app’s US operations. Trump has acknowledged Microsoft’s interest and hinted at a possible “bidding war,” underscoring the significant attention TikTok has drawn from investors.
Oracle, known for its enterprise software expertise, is also in discussions. The company has reportedly proposed a deal in which it would oversee data management and security for TikTok, addressing one of the key concerns raised by US officials.
Other notable names have joined the race, including Elon Musk, who is rumored to be exploring a bid, and YouTube megastar MrBeast, who has expressed interest after being approached by several investors. While these names add intrigue, they highlight the diversity of parties seeking to acquire the app. The number of suitors wanting to buy TikTok can also mean a bidding war is brewing.
Trump’s Role in the TikTok Sale
President Donald Trump has been instrumental in driving the negotiations around TikTok’s future. His administration has long viewed the app as a national security threat, with concerns that ByteDance could provide user data to the Chinese government. In a bid to prevent TikTok’s outright ban, The President earlier signed an executive order giving ByteDance 75 additional days to finalize a sale. His conditions are clear: China must relinquish control of TikTok’s US operations, and the deal must ensure American oversight of user data.
Trump has also emphasized his preference for a white knight to buy TikTok who keeps its jobs and voice intact. His administration aims to balance national security concerns with the app’s immense popularity among Americans, particularly younger users.
TikTok's Appeal and the Contenders' Strategies
TikTok’s cultural and commercial appeal makes it a coveted prize. The app dominates the social media landscape with its short-form videos and massive user engagement. Any buyer would inherit not only its user base but also its lucrative advertising potential.
Microsoft has reportedly focused on building a comprehensive infrastructure plan to manage TikTok’s operations and data. Oracle’s strategy, on the other hand, emphasizes addressing security issues by acting as a trusted custodian of TikTok’s user information. Meanwhile, figures like Elon Musk and MrBeast represent unconventional bidders, whose interest in TikTok stems from its global reach and potential to disrupt traditional media.
Who Should Buy TikTok?
Despite the interest, the TikTok sale comes with significant challenges. ByteDance will likely retain a stake in the company, which raises questions about how much control US buyers will truly have. Additionally, Congress remains divided on the best path forward, and free speech advocates have criticized the government’s involvement in pressuring entities to buy TikTok.
Trump’s tight timeline adds further complexity. With only weeks left to finalize a deal, potential buyers must navigate legal, financial, and regulatory hurdles. The stakes are high—not just for TikTok’s future, but for the broader relationship between the US and Chinese tech industries.
Who should buy TikTok to secure its future in the US and protect its users? Tell us what you think.
