Trump Hints TikTok Could Be Sold to a “Group of Very Wealthy People”

• TikTok now serves over 1.5 billion global users; the US alone accounts for about 170 million.
• The deadline for TikTok to divest from ByteDance has been extended three times, currently set for 17 September 2025.

Current US President Donald Trump has once again entered the conversation about TikTok’s uncertain future, claiming that a group of “very wealthy people” may be preparing to buy the popular social media platform. The comments, made casually during a media interaction, have added new intrigue to an issue that has already spanned multiple years, several failed deals, and now a pending federal deadline.

Donald Trump hinted at a potential sale of TikTok to a group of very wealthy individuals, though he kept the names and details under wraps. This couldn’t be happening at a more critical moment, especially with everything that’s been said lately about past sales efforts and the shifting political landscape. Just recently, President Joe Biden signed off on a law that puts TikTok in a tough spot: either separate from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban in the U.S. The deadline’s set—ByteDance has until September 17, 2025, to sell TikTok or see it pulled from American app stores altogether..

A Long and Complicated Timeline

TikTok’s rocky relationship with the US began back in 2020, when Trump first ordered its sale on national security grounds. Although Microsoft and Oracle showed interest, the deal never materialised.

Fast forward to April 2024, when Congress passed the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.” Signed by President Biden on 24 April 2024, the law required ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US assets within 270 days, setting the initial deadline at 19 January 2025.

On 18 January, TikTok voluntarily suspended its US operations, prompting Trump—then freshly back in office—to delay enforcement for 75 days, extending the deadline to 5 April 2025.

A second 75-day extension came on 4 April, moving the deadline to 19 June 2025.

The divestment deadline, initially set for June 19, was officially extended by Trump for 90 days, moving it to September 17, 2025.

These extensions are the result of complex legal, commercial, and diplomatic negotiations.. The process of finding a buyer who meets US regulatory standards and gains China’s approval is far from straightforward.

Trump’s Statement: More Than Just Hype?

During a Fox News interview, Trump claimed a “group of very wealthy people” was preparing to buy TikTok. He suggested that China’s approval would likely be needed, but expressed optimism that President Xi Jinping would agree.

Though no names were disclosed, speculation quickly followed. Some pointed to figures like Kevin O’Leary, Steven Mnuchin, or unnamed private equity players who have previously shown interest in digital platforms. These names have occasionally surfaced in the media, but so far, there is no credible confirmation has been offered.

Trump added that more information would surface “in two weeks,” keeping the rumour mill turning. Whether this will lead to an official announcement or simply fade into the background, as similar claims have in the past, remains to be seen.

Why It Matters to Users

TikTok’s global reach makes this more than a national issue. The app currently boasts over 1.5 billion users worldwide, including:

• Asia-Pacific: ~470 million
• United States: ~170 million
• Europe: ~145 million
• Latin America: ~100 million

Should the 17 September deadline pass without a sale or legal relief, TikTok could vanish from US app stores. Users would start losing access to updates, bug fixes, and eventually the app itself. For creators—many of whom depend on TikTok to earn a living—it could mean losing their main audience in the blink of an eye.

A ban like this wouldn’t just take down an app — it would leave a real mark on culture. Over the last few years, TikTok has shaped everything from music and style to food trends and the way people talk about the world. If it goes, that space doesn’t get filled easily. Other platforms might try, but it won’t be the same.

If TikTok changes hands, it probably won’t just affect users in the U.S. People everywhere — in the UK, Europe, and beyond — might notice things shifting too. There could be new rules, different content filters, or changes in how the algorithm works. That means your videos might not reach as many people, or your feed might start looking different depending on who ends up in charge.

Visual: TikTok’s Global User Base

![Bar chart showing TikTok users by region: Asia-Pacific (470M), US (170M), Europe (145M), Latin America (100M)]

Source: DataReportal 2024

TikTok’s Legal Fight

TikTok has challenged the law in US courts, calling the divestment mandate unconstitutional. CEO Shou Zi Chew has maintained that the platform operates independently of the Chinese government and prioritises user data safety.

On 18 January 2025, TikTok went dark in the US as a preemptive compliance step, only to be reactivated a day later after Trump’s executive extension.

The company continues to argue for its right to operate, citing freedom of expression and economic impact, especially for small businesses and creators. The legal battle is ongoing, with a decision expected to be crucial in shaping the future landscape for other foreign-owned tech platforms operating in the US.

What Happens Next?

With less than three months remaining, there are three possible outcomes that remain firmly on the table.

• If a deal is completed, TikTok would likely remain available in the US under new ownership. Globally, users might see changes in content policy, data handling practices, or algorithm priorities.
• If no deal is reached by 17 September 2025, the app would face a ban in the US. This could disrupt content creation, reduce ad revenues, and prompt some creators to migrate to other platforms, affecting user engagement worldwide.
• If TikTok wins in court, the app would continue operating as it does today, but lingering uncertainty could impact user trust and brand partnerships while future legal challenges remain a possibility.

All three options carry weight and complications. For now, the future of TikTok is a story still being written.

The Global Stakes Are Rising

The back-and-forth over TikTok highlights a much bigger conflict between the U.S. and China. At its core, it’s really about control — who gets to shape the internet, how our personal data is handled, and how tech is governed on a global level. It also sends a clear message about what can happen to international platforms when national interests come into play.

For a lot of people, TikTok isn’t just some app on their phone — it’s part of their daily life. It’s where they mess around with ideas, pick up new things, and talk to others who get them. It’s the place where trends catch fire, where real conversations take off, and where plenty of small businesses manage to get noticed. What happens to all of that? Well, it depends on what courts decide — and what the companies involved choose to do next.

A key moment might come with the next news update, possibly when Trump makes his expected “two-week” announcement. Until then, everyone around the world is closely watching the situation.