Trump Confirms Microsoft’s Interest in TikTok Amid Ownership Talks
President Donald Trump has confirmed that Microsoft is among the U.S. companies interested in acquiring TikTok to prevent a looming ban on the popular social media app. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump stated that multiple firms are considering bids but declined to provide a full list.
“I like bidding wars because you make your best deals,” Trump said while returning to Washington from Miami, where he attended a Republican House conference. Microsoft declined to comment, and TikTok has yet to respond.
Trump recently extended the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell its U.S. operations by 75 days, moving it from January 19 to April 4. The president has suggested that any deal should grant the U.S. a 50% stake in the company, though details remain unclear.
Several investors, including billionaire Frank McCourt and former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, have publicly expressed interest in purchasing TikTok’s U.S. division. Additionally, AI startup Perplexity AI has reportedly proposed a merger allowing the U.S. government to hold a significant stake.
While ByteDance previously resisted selling TikTok, recent reports suggest the company is open to discussions with both U.S. and Chinese officials. Lawmakers on both sides remain concerned about national security risks linked to Chinese ownership. Trump, who once supported banning TikTok, has since credited the platform for helping him gain support among younger voters.
source: africanews