Trump Engages in Talks About TikTok’s Future Amid Security Concerns, Decision Anticipated Within 30 Days
Former U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed ongoing discussions with various stakeholders regarding the future of TikTok, the popular social media platform facing scrutiny over national security concerns. Trump announced that a decision on the app’s operations would likely be made within 30 days.
“I’ve spoken to many people about TikTok, and there’s a lot of interest in it,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight to Florida. According to sources familiar with the matter, Trump’s administration is reportedly developing a plan to address TikTok’s future, potentially involving Oracle and a consortium of private investors to oversee its operations.
Proposed Deal Structure
Under the negotiated plan, ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, would retain a minority stake in the platform. Meanwhile, Oracle would take responsibility for data management, addressing national security concerns by overseeing information storage and software updates. Oracle already provides the infrastructure for TikTok’s web operations, making it a logical candidate for this role.
Despite these discussions, Trump clarified that he had not personally spoken with Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison about the deal. “No, not specifically with Oracle,” Trump stated. “Several prominent individuals are discussing the possibility of acquiring TikTok with me, and I plan to decide shortly.” Congress has provided 90 days, but if we can secure TikTok, it would be beneficial.”
Key Stakeholders and Competing Interests
Reports indicate that the deal may also involve ByteDance’s U.S.-based investors, including General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, KKR, and Susquehanna International Group. While Oracle is reportedly interested in a stake worth tens of billions, the details remain fluid, and the full scope of the agreement could extend beyond TikTok’s U.S. operations to include other regions.
Other potential buyers, including investor groups led by billionaire Frank McCourt and YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson (Mr. Beast), are not part of Oracle’s negotiations. The White House and Oracle representatives reportedly met on Friday to discuss the deal, with another meeting scheduled in the coming week.
TikTok’s Challenges and Security Measures
TikTok has over 170 million U.S. users and has been at the center of national security debates. The app was briefly taken offline after a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban came into effect. The Biden administration later extended the deadline for enforcement to reassess the situation. Officials argue that TikTok’s ties to China present risks of data misuse, although the company has consistently denied these claims.
To mitigate concerns, TikTok struck a deal with Oracle in 2022 to store US user data on American-based cloud servers. The app’s content moderation for U.S. users is also handled domestically. The current negotiations aim to build on these measures, ensuring compliance with national security requirements.
Broader Implications and Legislative Hurdles
The proposed deal comes as Congress and free speech advocates debate the implications of banning TikTok. While some lawmakers have pushed for stricter controls over apps with foreign ownership, others argue that such actions could limit freedom of expression.
Trump has expressed a preference for the U.S. to hold a 50% stake in any TikTok joint venture, emphasizing the need to align the app’s operations with American interests. However, sources indicate that satisfying Congress and other regulatory bodies remains a significant challenge for the administration.
The Path Forward
As discussions continue, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. With multiple parties vying for control and a growing need to address security concerns, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the app can operate within the country under new terms.
