US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Microsoft is currently in discussions to acquire TikTok, as the app’s future in the US remains uncertain. The popular video-sharing platform is facing a US law that requires it to sever ties with its Chinese owner, ByteDance, or face a ban in the country.
He suggested that a bidding war could be a positive development in this situation.
When asked late Monday if Microsoft was in discussion for acquiring TikTok, Trump told reporters: “I would say yes.
“There’s a lot of interest in TikTok; there’s great interest in TikTok,” he added.
The ban on TikTok was scheduled to take effect on January 19 due to concerns about potential Chinese government interference or spying on American users. However, the president decided to suspend the ban for two and a half months in order to find a resolution with China.
This led to TikTok temporarily shutting down in the US as the deadline approached.
The platform later resumed services after Trump promised to issue an executive order to delay the ban and allow time for negotiations.TikTok credited Trump for helping in overturning the ban, although the situation remains ongoing.
