Microsoft explores TikTok purchase – Trump
The US president stated there’s "great interest" among American investors in acquiring the app. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The US president has expressed that there is “great interest” among American investors in acquiring the app’s US subsidiary.
Reports indicate that President Donald Trump has mentioned Microsoft as one of the potential buyers for TikTok’s US operations. TikTok temporarily ceased operations in the US last weekend after its parent company, ByteDance, failed to meet a January 19 deadline to divest its American operations, following a Supreme Court ruling related to national security issues.
Shortly after this, Trump revealed a 90-day extension and laid out a proposal for a US acquisition that would secure a majority stake in TikTok.
When asked by reporters on Air Force One about Microsoft’s possible acquisition, Trump responded, “I would say yes,” adding, “There’s great interest in TikTok.” He noted that other companies are also considering the acquisition but did not reveal their identities.
“I like bidding wars because you make your best deals,” he said.
Should the deal with Microsoft be finalized, it would place the popular video-sharing app under the management of one of the most valuable tech companies in the US, which has been making significant strides into sectors like artificial intelligence and gaming.
Microsoft did not provide a comment when contacted by media outlets.
With approximately 170 million users in the US, TikTok has drawn considerable attention from American investors, particularly in light of the government's requirement that it be owned by US interests or face removal from the market.
Perplexity AI, an AI startup, has proposed a merger with TikTok’s US operations, suggesting that a new entity could allow the government to acquire up to a 50% stake after an initial public offering. Furthermore, billionaire Frank McCourt, the former owner of the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, has made a formal bid to purchase TikTok’s US assets.
In 2020, Microsoft and tech giant Oracle were in the running to acquire the platform when Trump aimed for a sale during his first term.
Initially, Trump was in favor of banning TikTok but changed his viewpoint last year, citing how the app had increased his popularity among young voters during the presidential election.
On Saturday, he informed reporters that he was negotiating with “very substantial people” for the purchase of TikTok and expected to reach a decision within 30 days.
“I’d only do it if the United States benefits,” he noted. “And if we can save it, I think that would be a great thing. And I think it would be economically good for America.”
The president initially proposed a joint venture involving a 50-50 ownership arrangement between ByteDance and American investors. Earlier this week, he commented that TikTok would be “worthless” without a US operating permit, but could potentially be valued at $1 trillion with one.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
Reports indicate that President Donald Trump has mentioned Microsoft as one of the potential buyers for TikTok’s US operations. TikTok temporarily ceased operations in the US last weekend after its parent company, ByteDance, failed to meet a January 19 deadline to divest its American operations, following a Supreme Court ruling related to national security issues.
Shortly after this, Trump revealed a 90-day extension and laid out a proposal for a US acquisition that would secure a majority stake in TikTok.
When asked by reporters on Air Force One about Microsoft’s possible acquisition, Trump responded, “I would say yes,” adding, “There’s great interest in TikTok.” He noted that other companies are also considering the acquisition but did not reveal their identities.
“I like bidding wars because you make your best deals,” he said.
Should the deal with Microsoft be finalized, it would place the popular video-sharing app under the management of one of the most valuable tech companies in the US, which has been making significant strides into sectors like artificial intelligence and gaming.
Microsoft did not provide a comment when contacted by media outlets.
With approximately 170 million users in the US, TikTok has drawn considerable attention from American investors, particularly in light of the government's requirement that it be owned by US interests or face removal from the market.
Perplexity AI, an AI startup, has proposed a merger with TikTok’s US operations, suggesting that a new entity could allow the government to acquire up to a 50% stake after an initial public offering. Furthermore, billionaire Frank McCourt, the former owner of the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, has made a formal bid to purchase TikTok’s US assets.
In 2020, Microsoft and tech giant Oracle were in the running to acquire the platform when Trump aimed for a sale during his first term.
Initially, Trump was in favor of banning TikTok but changed his viewpoint last year, citing how the app had increased his popularity among young voters during the presidential election.
On Saturday, he informed reporters that he was negotiating with “very substantial people” for the purchase of TikTok and expected to reach a decision within 30 days.
“I’d only do it if the United States benefits,” he noted. “And if we can save it, I think that would be a great thing. And I think it would be economically good for America.”
The president initially proposed a joint venture involving a 50-50 ownership arrangement between ByteDance and American investors. Earlier this week, he commented that TikTok would be “worthless” without a US operating permit, but could potentially be valued at $1 trillion with one.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
