The geopolitical tug-of-war over TikTok’s future in the United States may be nearing resolution, as U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that a group of wealthy investors is poised to acquire the U.S. operations of the popular short-form video app. Speaking on a recent broadcast of Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News, Trump stated that he would disclose the identities of the buyers in the coming weeks.
However, the completion of any deal may hinge on approval from Chinese authorities, given TikTok’s ownership by China-based tech company ByteDance. Trump expressed optimism that President Xi Jinping would greenlight the proposed transaction.
This development follows an extended period of regulatory pressure on TikTok in the United States. A U.S. law passed in 2024 requires ByteDance to either sell TikTok’s American assets or face a nationwide ban. Although the original deadline was January 19, Trump—who has extended the timeline three times—most recently pushed the cutoff to mid-September 2025.
The proposed deal is said to involve forming a new U.S.-based entity, predominantly owned and operated by American investors. Negotiations around this structure were stalled earlier in the year when China signaled opposition, especially after the U.S. introduced new tariffs on Chinese goods.
Interestingly, Trump credited TikTok with boosting his appeal among younger voters during the 2024 presidential campaign—a statement that underscores the app’s unique position in shaping political narratives and voter engagement.
Why This Matters?
At 365247 Media, we see this not just as a tech acquisition story, but as a signal of the growing overlap between national security, digital sovereignty, and the creator economy.
Three key strategic implications:
- Digital Infrastructure as National Security
TikTok’s case sets a precedent for how countries view ownership of social media platforms with massive domestic reach. For other governments and tech firms, this is a playbook in balancing user engagement with control over data and narrative influence. - The Emergence of Political Tech Capital
Trump’s statement about young voters reflects how digital platforms are no longer just entertainment tools—they’re now political infrastructure. Expect future campaigns (in the U.S. and globally) to increasingly factor in control, partnership, or at least policy stance toward social platforms. - Cross-Border Deal Structures Will Become Standard
As seen in this transaction, structuring “local versions” of international apps may be the new norm. Consultants, lawyers, and investors alike should start viewing these carve-outs as key mechanisms to navigate regulatory headwinds while preserving user bases.
