By Zainab Shafiq 
In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday that discussions are underway with four separate groups vying to acquire TikTok, the wildly popular Chinese-owned video-sharing app. This development comes amid ongoing concerns over national security and the app’s ties to its parent company, ByteDance, based in China.
Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, hinted at the possibility of a deal but remained tight-lipped about the identities of the interested parties. “We’re dealing with four different groups. A lot of people want it, and it’s up to me,” he said, adding, “All four are good.” While he did not disclose specifics, speculation is rife about who these potential buyers might be.
Donald Trump deals with potential buyers to avoid TikTok ban and resume normal operations
The controversy surrounding TikTok stems from a US law enacted earlier this year, mandating that the app sever ties with ByteDance or face a ban in the United States. The law, which took effect on January 19, was driven by fears that the Chinese government could use the platform to spy on Americans or manipulate public opinion. TikTok briefly disappeared from app stores and suspended operations in the US as the deadline loomed, leaving millions of users in limbo.
However, Trump intervened shortly after his second term began, delaying the ban for two-and-a-half months to explore a resolution with Beijing. By February, TikTok had resumed operations and reappeared in app stores, but its long-term future remains uncertain.
Among the rumoured suitors are tech giants Microsoft and Oracle, as well as a consortium led by internet sensation MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson). Another notable contender is “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” a grassroots initiative backed by real estate mogul Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty.
Despite the flurry of activity, TikTok has shown little urgency in pursuing a sale. The app, which boasts over 100 million users in the US alone, has become a cultural phenomenon, making its potential acquisition a high-stakes endeavour.
As the negotiations unfold, the question remains: will TikTok find a new home, or will it face an unprecedented ban in one of its largest markets? The answer lies in the hands of Trump and the four mysterious groups now at the centre of this high-profile saga.
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