Trump says he has a TikTok buyer. Here are the players who have been vying to buy the app

In a series of recent statements, President Donald Trump has sparked speculation about a potential buyer for TikTok, suggesting that the app may soon secure a new owner. During an appearance on Fox News, Trump indicated that he would reveal the buyer in approximately two weeks, a move that could ensure TikTok's future in the United States. "We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way. I think I’ll need probably China approval, and I think President Xi will probably do it," Trump remarked, noting that the buyer is a group of affluent investors. The parent company of TikTok, ByteDance, is under pressure to divest its U.S. operations by September 17 to avoid a possible ban. Trump has previously postponed the enforcement of a law mandating the sale or banning of TikTok, a directive initiated by former President Joe Biden, which was originally slated to take effect in January. The app is widely used, boasting around 170 million American users who rely on it for news, entertainment, and even income. However, uncertainty looms over whether the Chinese government will permit the sale. In April, a major deal that would have transitioned control of TikTok's U.S. operations to American owners nearly came to fruition but collapsed after Trump imposed additional tariffs on China. This led to another 75-day extension to keep the app operational. Recently, Trump extended the deadline again by 90 days, emphasizing the importance of ongoing negotiations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that discussions regarding the sale of TikTok are at the highest levels of government, with the primary goal of ensuring the app remains available to American users while prioritizing their privacy and security. While the identity of the prospective buyer remains undisclosed, sources suggest that a consortium of investors was preparing to acquire TikTok back in April before negotiations were hindered by tariffs. Under the terms of the anticipated deal, ByteDance would retain a 20% stake, as required by law, while ensuring that the U.S. operations do not coordinate with ByteDance on algorithm or data-sharing practices. Among the potential bidders is Oracle, which currently partners with TikTok in the U.S., and could team up with American investors like General Atlantic and Susquehanna International Group. Other notable bidders include a consortium led by former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary, who advocate for an American-centric operational approach to the app. Additionally, social media influencer Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, has also expressed interest in acquiring TikTok. Another contender, the AI firm Perplexity, has stated its ambition to rebuild TikTok's algorithm while ensuring it does not monopolize the market. As the clock ticks down to the deadline, the landscape of potential buyers for TikTok is both dynamic and uncertain, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting Trump's upcoming announcement.