Trump Reveals Microsoft Considering TikTok Acquisition 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announces Microsoft is exploring a potential bid for TikTok, sparking new discussions on the platform’s ownership and future in the U.S.

According to media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned that Microsoft is one of the companies contemplating the acquisition of TikTok’s American subsidiary.

Last weekend, TikTok experienced a temporary shutdown in the US after its parent company ByteDance failed to meet a January 19 deadline to sell off its American operations, following a Supreme Court ruling citing national security issues. Shortly thereafter, Trump announced an additional 90-day extension and suggested that the US acquire majority ownership in TikTok as part of this plan.

When reporters aboard Air Force One inquired about Microsoft’s possible acquisition of TikTok on Monday, Trump responded, “I would say yes,” and noted that there is significant interest in the platform.

Trump noted that other companies had also shown interest in acquiring TikTok, but he chose not to reveal their names.

He said, “I enjoy bidding wars because they allow you to strike your best deals.”

If successful, the deal with Microsoft would bring the video-sharing app under the control of one of America’s most valuable tech companies. Microsoft has been aggressively expanding its presence in fields such as artificial intelligence and gaming.

Microsoft did not provide a comment in response to media inquiries.

With approximately 170 million users in the United States, TikTok has garnered considerable attention from American investors.

AI startup Perplexity AI has proposed merging with TikTok’s US operations, suggesting that the government might obtain up to a 50% stake in the new company after an initial public offering. Furthermore, billionaire Frank McCourt, who previously owned the Los Angeles Dodgers—a Major League Baseball team—has officially offered to purchase TikTok’s US assets.

In 2020, Microsoft and the technology company Oracle were potential buyers of the platform when Trump attempted to mandate its sale during his first term.

Initially, Trump backed a ban on TikTok but changed his position last year, acknowledging that the video app helped increase his support among young voters during the presidential election.

On Saturday, Trump informed reporters that he was in discussions with “very substantial individuals” regarding the potential purchase of TikTok and anticipated reaching a decision within 30 days.

He mentioned, “I would only consider it if it’s beneficial for the United States. If we can preserve it, that would be excellent. I also believe it could have positive economic implications for America.”

The US president first proposed a joint venture for TikTok, suggesting an equal 50-50 ownership split between ByteDance and American investors. Earlier this week, he commented that without a US operating permit, TikTok would be “worthless,” but with one, it could carry a valuation of $1 trillion.