The big picture: President Donald Trump has stated that his administration is in discussions with four potential buyers for TikTok's US operations. His confirmation comes amid ongoing speculation about the app's future, as the 75-day deadline set by his executive order approaches.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, President Trump stated that his team is in contact with "four different groups" regarding a potential sale and that "a lot of people" are interested in the deal. He also expressed his approval of the prospective buyers, saying, "All four [bidders] are good." When asked whether a deal might happen soon, Trump responded, "It could."
It remains unclear which four groups Trump was referring to, but recent media reports have mentioned several potential buyers, including Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. According to a Reuters report last week, McCourt submitted his bid to acquire TikTok's US operations in January and was recently joined by Ohanian as a strategic adviser specializing in social media.
Another group of investors reportedly interested in acquiring TikTok includes popular YouTuber Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson, tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, and Wyoming businessman Reid Rasner. Media reports have also suggested that Amazon and Microsoft previously explored a possible purchase. However, it is unclear whether any of these individuals or companies are among the four shortlisted suitors mentioned by Trump.
Earlier reports also linked Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison as potential buyers. In late January, Trump stated that he would like either of the two billionaires to acquire TikTok. When asked whether he would support Musk purchasing the app's US operations, Trump responded, "I would be if he wanted to buy it, yes," adding, "I'd like Larry [Ellison] to buy it, too."
Also in January, artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI proposed a merger with TikTok's US operations. The company reportedly submitted a merger plan that includes provisions for the US government to receive up to 50 percent stock in the new combined entity once Perplexity AI achieves an initial public offering (IPO) valued at a minimum of $300 billion.
TikTok has long been in the crosshairs of US lawmakers and security officials due to its Chinese ownership. In 2024, the House of Representatives passed legislation requiring the app's parent company, ByteDance, to sell it to a US entity or face a nationwide ban.
To comply with the law, TikTok went dark in the US on January 18. However, normal services resumed a few hours later after Trump was sworn in as president for a second term and signed an executive order delaying the ban for 75 days.
Trump confirms four bidders are in talks for TikTok, deal may be close
