The future of TikTok in the United States has become a political and business saga, with former President Donald Trump at the center of the conversation. As the U.S. government pushes ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell its American operations or face a ban, speculation has swirled about Trump’s intentions and whether he wants to buy TikTok himself. But what’s really going on? Is Trump actually trying to buy TikTok, and if so, why? Let’s break down the facts, the rumors, and the motivations behind this high-stakes drama.
The TikTok Ban: A Quick Recap
TikTok’s troubles in the U.S. began years ago, with concerns over national security and data privacy. Lawmakers from both parties have argued that TikTok, owned by a Chinese company, could be forced to share American user data with the Chinese government or manipulate content to influence U.S. public opinion. In response, Congress passed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. assets or face a nationwide ban. The Supreme Court is currently weighing the legality of this move, but the pressure is on for a sale or shutdown Newsweek.
Trump’s Changing Stance on TikTok
Trump’s relationship with TikTok has evolved dramatically. As president, he was a vocal supporter of banning the app, even issuing an executive order to force a sale in 2020. However, in 2025, Trump has shifted his tone, saying he wants to “save TikTok” and keep the app alive for its 170 million American users. In a recent executive order, he extended the ban deadline by 75 days, giving more time for a potential deal to be struck Statesman.
When asked why he changed his mind, Trump candidly replied, “Because I got to use it. And remember, TikTok is largely about kids, young kids. If China is going to get information about young kids, I don’t know. To be honest with you, I think we have bigger problems than that.”
Does Trump Really Want to Buy TikTok?
Despite viral rumors and even a fake tweet claiming Trump would buy TikTok for $2.7 billion, there is no credible evidence that Trump or his media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, is actually trying to purchase TikTok. Fact-checkers have debunked these claims, and Trump himself has not announced any intention to buy the app Newsweek.
Instead, Trump’s role appears to be more about political maneuvering and influencing the outcome of the sale. He has called for a “bidding war” among American companies, saying he wouldn’t mind if Microsoft or another major U.S. firm acquired TikTok. Trump’s main goal seems to be ensuring that TikTok’s U.S. operations are controlled by an American company, not a Chinese one Fortune.
The Sovereign Wealth Fund Angle
One of the more surprising developments is Trump’s executive order to create the nation’s first sovereign wealth fund, which could theoretically be used to purchase TikTok’s U.S. assets. While the details are murky and experts question whether such a fund can be established by executive order alone, Trump has floated the idea as a way to “monetize the asset side of the U.S. balance sheet for the American people” Statesman.
Who Are the Real Potential Buyers?
While Trump is not a buyer, several high-profile names have emerged as potential suitors for TikTok’s U.S. operations. These include:
- Elon Musk, who reportedly has the resources and political connections to make a bid.
- Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
- Billionaire Frank McCourt.
- “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary, who has discussed a partly crowdfunded bid.
However, ByteDance has been reluctant to sell, especially its prized algorithm, which is seen as the secret sauce behind TikTok’s success Newsweek.
Why Does Trump Care About TikTok’s Fate?
Trump’s interest in TikTok is driven by several factors:
- National Security: Trump and many lawmakers believe that American user data should not be accessible to the Chinese government.
- Political Leverage: By positioning himself as the person who can “save TikTok,” Trump appeals to younger voters and the app’s massive user base.
- Economic Opportunity: Trump has suggested that the U.S. government should get a “cut” of any TikTok sale, arguing that the deal would benefit American taxpayers.
- Personal Branding: Trump’s involvement in the TikTok saga keeps him in the headlines and reinforces his image as a dealmaker and protector of American interests.
As Trump himself put it, “If we can save all that voice and all the jobs, and China won’t be involved, we don’t want China involved, but we’ll see what happens” Fortune.
Expert Perspective
Clemence Landers, a former Treasury official, commented, “Obviously you can’t establish an institution by executive order and more to the point is you can’t fund an institution by executive order.” This highlights the legal and financial complexities of Trump’s sovereign wealth fund proposal Statesman.
Conclusion
Despite the rumors, Donald Trump is not trying to buy TikTok himself. Instead, he is using his political influence to shape the outcome of the app’s future in the U.S., pushing for an American-controlled TikTok and leveraging the situation for political and economic gain. The real buyers are likely to be major tech or investment firms, not Trump or his media company. As the deadline for a sale or ban approaches, the fate of TikTok—and its millions of American users—remains uncertain.
