By Gloria Nosa
President Donald J. Trump has announced a two-week deadline to reveal the identity of a new buyer for TikTok’s U.S. operations, marking a bold and decisive step in his administration’s push to place the popular video-sharing platform under American control.
Speaking at a press briefing at the White House Rose Garden, President Trump stated, “We have a strong and patriotic buyer ready, and we’re going to make it official within the next two weeks. It’s about national security, about data safety, and about keeping American influence on American soil.”
This new deadline underscores Trump’s hardline stance on foreign-owned technology operating in the United States—particularly Chinese-linked platforms. With TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, headquartered in Beijing, concerns over surveillance, data harvesting, and content manipulation have dominated Washington’s agenda.
Trump’s administration is now accelerating efforts to force a sale, ensuring that TikTok’s U.S. user data is fully controlled by American interests, a position the president has long championed.
Renewed Action Under Trump’s Leadership
This is not Trump’s first effort to bring TikTok under U.S. ownership. During his previous term in office, he issued executive orders in 2020 targeting the platform, and while court challenges and political transitions delayed enforcement, his return to power has reenergized those efforts.
Now, with TikTok boasting over 170 million American users, the stakes are higher than ever. President Trump emphasized that the move is not about censorship but sovereignty.
“TikTok is a great platform, but it must be American-owned. We’re not banning it — we’re saving it. But under American rules, American laws, and American values,” Trump stated.
His administration’s plan reportedly includes a mandated sale, enhanced regulatory oversight, and strict compliance requirements for data storage and content moderation.
Who Could Buy TikTok? Speculation Grows
Although the president did not name the buyer, he confirmed that discussions were “very advanced” and that the new owner is “someone with vision, resources, and deep commitment to America.”
Industry insiders have floated names such as:
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Oracle, previously involved in negotiations during Trump’s first term,
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Microsoft, which also once expressed interest,
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Elon Musk, rumored to be eyeing entry into the social media market,
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Or a coalition of U.S.-backed investors and tech firms.
The deal is expected to include requirements such as:
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U.S.-based data storage and processing,
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A fully American executive and legal structure, and
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Real-time oversight by U.S. cybersecurity regulators.
Trump’s approach reflects his broader “America First” digital strategy, emphasizing domestic ownership and reduced foreign influence in core communication platforms.
National Impact and Political Implications
This bold move has immediate ramifications for:
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Content creators and influencers, many of whom rely on TikTok for their livelihoods,
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U.S.-China relations, which remain tense amid trade and tech competition,
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And younger voters, for whom TikTok is a primary source of entertainment and information.
Some critics have warned that the sale could stifle innovation or lead to legal challenges from ByteDance. But supporters argue it’s a necessary step to protect user data and national sovereignty.
Trump’s administration is also working with Congress to draft legislation that would give federal agencies more power to oversee and block foreign tech platforms deemed a threat to national security.
The Countdown Begins
With the two-week clock officially ticking, President Trump’s announcement has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley and Wall Street alike. The impending deal could reshape the global tech landscape, firmly asserting the United States’ control over a platform that has rapidly become a cultural and political powerhouse.
As the nation—and the world—waits for the official reveal, one message is clear: TikTok’s days as a foreign-owned app in America are numbered, and the Trump administration is determined to lead that transformation.
