TikTok Gets a 75-Day Reprieve in the USA as Trump Signals Hope for a Deal
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In what comes as a major relief for TikTok and its millions of users in the US, President Donald Trump has granted the popular short-video platform a 75-day extension, delaying its potential ban yet again by atleast mid-June. The move sparked fresh hopes of a possible resolution that could allow TikTok to continue operating in the country.
Trump, while addressing the situation, confirmed that efforts are underway to strike a deal that works for all parties involved.
“My administration has been working very hard on a deal to save TikTok, and we have made tremendous progress,” Trump said on Truth Social. just hours before the original deadline was set to expire.
He added that more time is required to finalize everything, saying
the transaction “requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed.”
The extension provides TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, crucial time to negotiate terms with potential US partners.
This latest development adds a fresh twist to TikTok’s ongoing journey in the US — one that continues to thrive and grow its user base with millions exploring the app daily.
The Bidding War for TikTok: Who’s in the Race?
As TikTok navigates its uncertain future in the US, the platform has attracted a growing list of suitors eager to take over its American operations from ByteDance. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players and their proposed deals:
- Amazon’s Surprise Last-Minute Bid: In a move that caught many off guard, Amazon submitted a last-minute offer to acquire TikTok. While White House officials have expressed doubts about its chances of success, the news of the bid still sent Amazon’s shares up by over 2%. The bid aligns with Amazon’s ambitions to expand into the social media space, adding to its previous acquisitions like Twitch and Goodreads.
- Oracle’s Algorithm-Guarded Proposal: Oracle, already a technology partner of TikTok, is reportedly working on a joint bid alongside several investors, including private equity firm Silver Lake. Under this plan, TikTok’s core algorithms would remain under ByteDance’s ownership, while Oracle would act as a safeguard— addressing key concerns flagged by US regulators.
- Andreessen Horowitz Joins Forces with Oracle: Adding weight to Oracle’s bid is venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz, looking to replicate its success with early investments in major tech platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The firm is reportedly interested in buying out ByteDance’s Chinese investors as part of the deal.
- AppLovin Bets Big on Ads & AI: Mobile tech and advertising firm AppLovin has also entered the race with a proposal backed by billionaire Steve Wynn. If successful, AppLovin plans to build a new TikTok algorithm optimized for privacy and data security while leveraging its expertise in AI-driven ad personalization.
- Blackstone Considers Its Move: Private equity powerhouse Blackstone is evaluating the possibility of joining a group of ByteDance’s existing non-Chinese investors, potentially taking a stake in TikTok’s US operations. This consortium is said to include names like Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic.
- An Unexpected Bid from OnlyFans Founder: In a bold move, OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely, through his new social media venture Zoop, has submitted a bid for TikTok in partnership with cryptocurrency company The Hbar Foundation. The proposal emphasizes a creator-first approach, aiming to reshape social media dynamics.
- And There’s More: Several other names have emerged as potential bidders or interested parties, including content creator Mr Beast, AI startup Perplexity AI, Project Liberty, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, Microsoft, Rumble, and former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick — all vying for a piece of TikTok’s future.
While the exact nature of a possible deal remains under wraps, Trump’s decision signals a willingness to explore solutions beyond an outright ban — a positive sign for TikTok’s American users, creators, and business partners eagerly awaiting clarity.
For now, TikTok has earned itself more time — and perhaps a real shot at securing its future in one of its largest markets.