The future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain as potential buyers engage in direct negotiations with the White House, circumventing its Chinese owner, ByteDance. This development follows the enactment of a law on January 19, 2025, requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok on national security grounds or face a ban. Upon taking office on January 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the law by 75 days, providing a temporary reprieve for the app's operations.

President Trump has indicated interest in the U.S. government obtaining a stake in TikTok, an application utilized by nearly half of the American population. The uncertainty surrounding TikTok's ownership has attracted several potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. Analysts estimate the fast-growing platform's value could reach up to $50 billion.

In recent statements, President Trump mentioned ongoing discussions with multiple parties regarding the acquisition of TikTok and suggested that a decision on the app's future is likely to be made in February. He also hinted at the possibility of extending the current 75-day deadline to allow more time for negotiations and to reach a satisfactory resolution.

The direct engagement of potential buyers with the White House, rather than ByteDance, underscores the geopolitical complexities and national security concerns influencing the fate of TikTok in the U.S. market. As negotiations continue, the outcome will have significant implications for the app's vast user base and the broader technology landscape.