U.S – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that a deal for ByteDance to sell TikTok will be finalized before the Saturday deadline.
In January, Trump set April 5 as the cutoff date for TikTok to secure a non-Chinese buyer or risk being banned in the United States over national security concerns. The ban was set to take effect under a 2024 law.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump told reporters, “We have many potential buyers. There is significant interest in TikTok. I would like to see TikTok continue operating.”
This development follows a Reuters report from Friday, which revealed that private equity firm Blackstone is considering making a small minority investment in TikTok’s U.S. operations. Sources indicate that Blackstone is in talks to join non-Chinese investors, led by Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic, in providing additional funds to bid for the U.S. segment of TikTok.
U.S. authorities argue that TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance creates a risk of influence from the Chinese government, potentially allowing Beijing to use the app for propaganda or to collect data on American users.
Although Trump had previously mentioned the possibility of extending the April deadline if necessary, he recently acknowledged China’s role in any potential agreement. He suggested that offering tariff reductions could encourage China to approve the sale.
Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence that the general terms of the ownership agreement will be settled by April 5.
TikTok’s fate has been uncertain since a 2024 law, backed by bipartisan support, required ByteDance to divest its stake in the app by January 19.
By Damilola Adeleke | March 31, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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