Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that Microsoft is in discussions to acquire TikTok, with several American firms showing interest in the popular app. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump emphasized the competitive nature of the bidding process, stating, “I like bidding wars because you make your best deals.”
TikTok had initially shut down access to U.S. users on January 18, just before a federal ban took effect over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership. However, on his first day back in office, Trump issued an executive order delaying the ban for 75 days, allowing the platform to continue operations. Meanwhile, Microsoft has declined to comment on its potential involvement in the purchase.
In a surprising twist, Trump also mentioned that the U.S. government should receive 50% of any proceeds from the sale in a joint venture proposal. He further expressed openness to the possibility of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk acquiring the app, adding yet another dimension to the unfolding TikTok saga.