A split image showing the TikTok logo on a smartphone and Donald Trump speaking.
Share this @internewscast.com

DONALD Trump said he has a group of “very wealthy people” lined up to buy TikTok.

The President has consistently postponed the implementation of a ban prohibiting the app to provide additional time for talks with the Chinese proprietors, who have persistently declined to sell.

A split image showing the TikTok logo on a smartphone and Donald Trump speaking.
Donald Trump said he has potential buyers of TikTok waiting in the wingsCredit: AFP
Close-up of a person using a Google Pixel smartphone to select an app.
TikTok was temporarily disabled on US devices in JanuaryCredit: Getty
Close-up of TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifying before Congress.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has argued the sale to American owners is not necessaryCredit: AFP

Trump has fought to force TikTok’s owners to sell to an American party since his first term.

A law signed the previous year renders it unlawful to function under the current Chinese ownership, yet the prohibition has been postponed three times, and the company has continually refused to divest.

However, on Sunday, Trump told Fox News a “group of very wealthy people” wanted to purchase the app from ByteDance.

He said: “I think I will need China[’s] approval, and I think President Xi will probably do it.”

Without revealing any details, he added: “I’ll tell you in about two weeks.”

The closest to Trump has come to barring American users from TikTok was at the time of his inauguration in January this year.

A ban was enforced on January 19, leading TikTok to suspend its operations an hour before the ban took effect, informing users that “you can’t use TikTok for now” because of a “law banning TikTok”.

But around 12 hours later it came back online after conversations between the US and China behind the scenes – and was available for download again three weeks later.

Since then, Trump has delayed the ban three times – twice for 75 days and most recently by 90 days on June 17.

The eventual ban or sale is required by a “foreign adversary” bill signed in March 2024.

ByteDance challenged the Act, but it was upheld by the Supreme Court in January.

Trump rips critics & insists ‘bombs went through like butter’ at Iran sites

It’s not clear how much TikTok would sell for, with valuations ranging from $30billion to $300billion.

Rumoured new American owners have included major tech companies like Microsoft and Oracle.

The wildly popular YouTuber Mr Beast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, said in January he would submit an official offer for TikTok through and investment group led by Jesse Tinsley.

Steve Mnuchin, Trump’s treasury secretary during his first term in office, also floated the idea of purchasing the app with a group of billionaire investors when the ban was first passed.

Amazon reportedly made a last-minute bid to purchase TikTok three days before the second recent extension in April.

The bill banning continued Chinese ownership of TikTok cites concerns about national security risks.

ByteDance was initially given nine months to sell-up – and that expired in January.

However, the company has repeatedly insisted it will not give-up the app.

It said in April: “ByteDance doesn’t have any plans to sell TikTok.”

Reports circulated that it was considering a sale of the app without the key algorithm, but these were denied.

The owners insisted: “Foreign media reports of ByteDance selling TikTok are not true.”

President Trump at a White House press conference.
Trump has postponed the ban of TikTok three times this yearCredit: Getty
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
A Right Delayed Is a Right Denied: DOJ Suing LA County for Slow-Walking CCW Apps

Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: DOJ Takes Legal Action Against LA County for Slow Processing of Concealed Carry Permit Applications

The Trump administration’s Justice Department is taking legal action against the Los…
Napheesa Collier torches WNBA leadership in exit interview

Napheesa Collier Criticizes WNBA Leadership in Candid Exit Interview

Collier, known for her candidness in championing players’ causes, criticized the current…
Robert Irwin on shirtless 'Dancing With the Stars' performance and influx of messages from American girls

Robert Irwin’s Shirtless ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Routine Sparks Attention from American Fans

Robert Irwin is feeling like a million bucks. The wildlife conservationist chatted…
Reported threat at Jewish Congregation of Venice prompts large police response

Large Police Presence Responds to Reported Threat at Venice Jewish Congregation

The Jewish Congregation received phone calls threatening to “kill everyone,” according to…
Government shutdown begins as lawmakers fail to reach deal to extend funding

Government Shutdown Initiated After Lawmakers Fail to Secure Funding Agreement

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer debate government…
Charlie Kirk’s Mission Lives On: Why We Must Carry the Torch

Continuing Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: The Importance of Upholding His Vision

By Cliff Maloney My friend, mentor, and American visionary, Charlie Kirk, was…
Would SNAP, WIC be disrupted by a government shutdown?

Could a Government Shutdown Affect SNAP and WIC Programs?

(NEXSTAR) – In just a few hours, the U.S. government might face…
DOJ sues LA sheriff’s office in its first-ever gun-rights lawsuit over carry delays

LA Sheriff’s Office Faces DOJ’s First Gun-Rights Lawsuit Over Concealed Carry Delays

On Tuesday, the Justice Department initiated a lawsuit against the Los Angeles…
Livestock landscaping: Vermont ski areas employ goats and sheep to clear the slopes

Grazing Livestock: Vermont Ski Resorts Use Goats and Sheep for Slope Maintenance

JAY, Vt. (AP) — Months before the first snow beckons skiers, sheep…
UN delegates walk out as Netanyahu takes the stage

Israeli Envoy Criticizes ‘Planned Walkout’ Before Netanyahu’s Address, Addresses Holiday Scheduling Dispute

Israel’s lead diplomat at the United Nations criticized those who exited the…
'Dancing with the Stars' week 3 recap: Ballroom shocked by TikTok night elimination

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Week 3 Recap: TikTok Night Ends in Unexpected Elimination

TikTok took center stage in the ballroom Tuesday night during week three…
2nd detainee dies after Dallas ICE facility shooting, family says

Family Reports Second Death Following Shooting at Dallas ICE Facility

*Video shows previous coverage of Dallas ICE facility shooting. DALLAS (AP) —…