Trump teases billionaire backup plan for TikTok

International

TikTok’s future in the U.S. might soon get a plot twist worthy of its own For You Page.

Donald Trump says a team of “very wealthy people” is ready to buy the embattled app, though for now, he’s keeping the deal under wraps.

In a recent Fox News interview, the former president suggested that a sale of the popular video-sharing platform could be imminent. “I’ll tell you in about two weeks,” Trump said, without naming any individuals or companies involved.

The app, owned by Chinese tech firm ByteDance, remains under legal pressure following a U.S. law that mandates its sale over national security concerns. Lawmakers have argued that TikTok could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government, an allegation both TikTok and ByteDance deny.

Although any sale would still need Beijing’s approval, Trump said he believed Chinese President Xi Jinping “will probably do it.”

This month, Trump delayed enforcement of the divestment law for the third time, granting ByteDance a new deadline of September 17 to find a U.S. buyer. The law was initially scheduled to take effect on January 19 but has repeatedly been postponed through executive action.

The White House has not confirmed whether the group Trump referred to is connected to a previously reported deal that collapsed in April. That attempt failed amid renewed U.S.-China tensions and disagreements over tariffs.

TikTok has declined to comment on Trump’s latest statements.

While Trump was a vocal critic of the platform during his first term, his stance shifted during the 2024 election cycle. As the app’s influence among younger voters grew, he began supporting its continued use in the United States.

TikTok challenged the constitutionality of the divestment law earlier this year, but its appeal was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court, leaving few alternatives beyond a sale.

With the September deadline approaching, Trump’s comments have renewed speculation over whether a serious buyer is in place or if further delays will follow. For now, the details remain as elusive as the timeline.