TikTok analyzes alternatives to sell its business in the US

“There are a number of alternatives that we can discuss with President Trump and his team, but that are not related to the sale of the company and allow it to continue operating, perhaps with a change of control, but without the need for a sale,” explained the agency’s interlocutor.

Ford also added that he is optimistic about the dialogue emerging between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. “This can help create a much more constructive environment, a much higher level of interaction that can lead to a positive resolution,” he said.

On January 19, a law came into force in the United States that prohibited TikTok from operating in the country for reasons of national security. A day later, Trump signed an executive order delaying implementation of the restriction for 75 days. At the same time, the president proposed a deal under which the US government would buy 50% of TikTok’s local business in exchange for being able to continue operating the app.

Bloomberg later reported that Trump supported a possible acquisition of the social network by Elon Musk or Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. According to the agency, in addition to them, video blogger MrBeast (James Donaldson), who is part of a group of investors brought together by technology entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, is also vying to buy TikTok.