Former President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that Microsoft is among the technology companies considering acquiring TikTok to keep the popular video-sharing app operational in the United States.
Speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged that Microsoft was involved in discussions regarding TikTok’s future. “I would say yes,” he said when asked about the company’s interest. He noted that there is “a lot of interest in TikTok” but did not elaborate on other potential buyers.
Microsoft joins a growing list of firms reportedly vying to acquire TikTok, which faces another potential ban in less than three months if its China-based parent company, ByteDance, does not divest. Trump expressed enthusiasm over the competition. “I like bidding wars because you make your best deal. So if there’s a bidding war, that’s a good thing,” he said.
TikTok briefly shut down earlier this month but resumed operations within hours after Trump delayed the enforcement of a law requiring ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations by January 19. On his first day back in office last week, Trump signed an executive order extending the deadline by 75 days.
Trump has suggested the U.S. should hold a 50 percent stake in TikTok, though it remains unclear whether an acquisition by Microsoft or any other firm would align with this vision. Microsoft declined to comment on its reported interest.
Meanwhile, Perplexity AI has submitted an updated merger proposal for TikTok. A source familiar with the discussions told The Hill that the plan would allow the U.S. government to take a 50 percent stake in the newly formed company after it goes public.
Trump has floated several potential buyers since returning to office, including Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a close ally of the former president. Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary also submitted a $20 billion cash offer shortly before the initial ban deadline.
China, which previously opposed any forced sale of TikTok, appears to be shifting its stance. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry recently indicated that private companies could make independent decisions regarding sales and acquisitions.
“When it comes to actions such as the operation and acquisition of business, we believe they should be independently decided by companies in accordance with market principles,” said ministry spokesperson Mao Ning last week when asked about Beijing’s position on a potential sale.
With TikTok’s future still uncertain, the next few months could prove pivotal in determining the app’s fate in the U.S.
