Trump Says He Has a US Buyer for TikTok
The U.S. TikTok saga could come to an end in the next two weeks. Maybe.
President Trump recently announced that he has given his “blessing” to a proposed deal for Oracle and Walmart to acquire stakes in the U.S. operations of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned video-sharing app. The deal, which aims to address national security concerns raised by the Trump administration, would establish a new entity called TikTok Global, headquartered in the United States, and create an estimated 25,000 jobs.
This development comes after weeks of back-and-forth between the Trump administration and TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. The President issued an executive order in August, demanding that ByteDance sell its U.S. operations due to concerns that the Chinese government could access user data. TikTok, which has over 100 million users in the United States, has repeatedly denied these allegations.
The proposed deal with Oracle and Walmart is seen as a compromise that would allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States while addressing the administration’s security concerns. Oracle, a multinational technology company, would become TikTok’s “trusted technology provider,” hosting user data and ensuring compliance with U.S. regulations. Walmart, the retail giant, would also take a stake in the new entity, bringing its e-commerce and retail expertise into the mix.
If the deal goes through, TikTok Global would reportedly be majority-owned by U.S. investors, with Oracle and Walmart holding significant stakes. The new entity would also contribute $5 billion to fund education programs in the United States, addressing another key demand from the Trump administration.
While President Trump has expressed his support for the proposed deal, it still requires approval from the Chinese government, which recently introduced new export control rules that could affect the sale of TikTok’s algorithm, a key component of the app’s functionality. It remains to be seen how this new development will impact the negotiations between ByteDance, Oracle, Walmart, and the U.S. government.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of TikTok in the United States has raised concerns among users, content creators, and businesses that rely on the platform for marketing and advertising. Many have been left wondering about the potential implications of a TikTok ban or a forced sale on their digital marketing strategies and e-commerce efforts.
For businesses that have built a presence on TikTok, the proposed deal could offer some reassurance that the platform will continue to operate in the United States, allowing them to engage with a younger demographic and reach new audiences through creative and engaging content. Retailers, in particular, have found success on TikTok by showcasing products, running promotions, and collaborating with influencers to drive sales and increase brand awareness.
As the U.S. TikTok saga unfolds in the coming weeks, businesses and marketers will need to stay informed about the latest developments and be prepared to adapt their strategies based on the outcome. Whether TikTok Global becomes a reality or the app faces further challenges, the digital marketing landscape is sure to see some changes as a result of this high-stakes deal.
In the meantime, users and businesses alike will have to wait and see what the future holds for TikTok in the United States. The clock is ticking, and the next two weeks could bring clarity to this ongoing saga.
TikTok, Trump, Oracle, Walmart, ByteDance