Trump Confirms Microsoft in Talks to Acquire TikTok

The United States President Donald Trump on Monday confirmed that Microsoft is in talks to acquire the popular video-sharing platform, TikTok. The app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, faces mounting pressure to divest its U.S. operations to comply with a law targeting national security concerns.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “I would say yes,” when asked if Microsoft was negotiating a deal for TikTok. “There’s a lot of interest in TikTok, great interest,” he added, hinting at the possibility of a “bidding war” for the app—a scenario he described as a positive development.

The U.S. government has expressed concerns that TikTok could be exploited by the Chinese government for surveillance or to influence American public opinion. A law banning TikTok was set to take effect on January 19, but Trump suspended its implementation for two and a half months, seeking a diplomatic resolution with Beijing.

TikTok briefly ceased operations in the U.S. as the ban loomed, only to restore service after Trump promised an executive order to delay the law’s enforcement. TikTok credited Trump for the turnaround, though the Biden administration, during its transition period, had indicated it would not enforce the ban.

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This isn’t the first time TikTok has been in Washington’s crosshairs. During his first term, Trump sought to ban the app outright, citing national security risks.

Now, however, the focus has shifted toward finding a corporate buyer that can address security concerns while preserving TikTok’s presence in the U.S.

Microsoft has emerged as a leading contender to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, with analysts suggesting the deal could be a strategic move for the tech giant.

According to Angelo Zino of CFRA Research, Microsoft has long sought to strengthen its presence in the digital advertising space—a market where TikTok’s massive user base offers significant potential.

If successful, the acquisition could mark a significant expansion for Microsoft, aligning the company with the explosive growth of short-form video content while mitigating concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ownership.

The outcome of these negotiations will likely shape TikTok’s future in the U.S., where it has become a cultural phenomenon and a staple of digital communication for millions of users. A successful deal could provide a solution to the ongoing security concerns while preserving the app’s unique appeal.