The United States is days away from imposing a ban on TikTok unless parent company ByteDance secures a US-based buyer. The looming 5 April deadline could impact around 170 million American users unless a last-minute deal is reached.
US President Donald Trump, who extended the original January deadline, remains confident a solution will be found. “We have a lot of potential buyers,” Trump stated on Air Force One, adding, “There’s tremendous interest in TikTok… I’d like to see TikTok remain alive.”
Private equity firm Blackstone is reportedly considering a minority investment in TikTok’s US operations. Sources indicate that Blackstone may join existing non-Chinese shareholders, including Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic, in financing a potential bid. This consortium has emerged as the leading contender for TikTok’s American division.
Washington has long argued that ByteDance’s ownership makes TikTok vulnerable to Chinese government influence. US officials fear Beijing could use the platform for political interference or data collection on American citizens. TikTok has denied these allegations but has yet to comment on the latest developments.
Trump has previously suggested he may offer trade concessions to China to facilitate a deal. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance expects an agreement on the app’s ownership by the approaching deadline.
If the ban is enforced, existing users can keep the app, but new downloads will be blocked. TikTok has warned it may shut down its US service entirely if negotiations fail.
The clock is ticking for TikTok and its millions of American users.
