The long and dramatic saga of TikTok’s future in the United States might finally be approaching its final chapter.
In a recent appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” former President Donald Trump claimed that a group of “very wealthy people” are ready to purchase the U.S. operations of TikTok.
The Chinese-owned social media giant has faced years of scrutiny from U.S. officials over national security concerns and accusations that the app could be used by the Chinese Communist Party to collect data and influence public opinion. Calls for a total ban or forced sale have echoed across both sides of the political aisle.
This isn’t the first time TikTok has been on the chopping block. Trump originally pushed for a ban during his presidency, and even now, he has extended deadlines multiple times, with the most recent delay granted on June 19. However, this time he seems more confident that a resolution is near.
“There are people, very rich people, ready to buy it,” Trump said, hinting that we might soon know who these mysterious buyers are.
Public opinion remains divided. Critics argue that banning TikTok mirrors censorship practices seen in China and question the potential abuse of executive power. Others insist that TikTok’s algorithm and data collection practices are too dangerous to ignore.
Some analysts suggest that the move to sell TikTok could mirror the transformation seen with X (formerly Twitter) under Elon Musk’s leadership – though whether that’s a hopeful comparison or a cautionary tale is up for debate.
While the platform’s addictive short-form content and controversial trends have drawn concern, a total ban feels extreme to many. Still, if a sale happens, it could mark a major shift in the app’s trajectory – or prove to be an expensive and ultimately pointless exercise.
Either way, it seems the clock is ticking, and a decision is on the horizon.