The Struggle for TikTok’s Future Continues

The initiative to prohibit TikTok in the United States has persisted for several years—and it’s far from finished.

It all started in 2019, when U.S. lawmakers initially restricted the use of TikTok on government-issued gadgets. Rising concerns regarding national security intensified, reaching a peak in 2024 when then-President Joe Biden enacted legislation that would essentially outlaw TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divested it. The central concern: apprehensions that ByteDance, under Chinese laws, could be forced to surrender user information to the Chinese Communist Party, posing a potential risk to U.S. interests.

The dispute eventually made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Advocates for free speech contended that prohibiting TikTok would violate Americans’ First Amendment rights, including the right to access overseas information—even if it constitutes propaganda. Despite these worries, the Court unanimously supported the ban. It briefly took effect for approximately 12 hours before newly elected President Donald Trump postponed its enforcement. Currently, TikTok remains accessible on app stores, but that may shift when Trump’s extension expires on April 5.

ByteDance has stated it has no plans to sell TikTok. This leaves only one route to evade a ban: a sale to a U.S.-approved purchaser. While most discussions are occurring behind closed doors, several notable names have surfaced as potential buyers. Here’s a glimpse of those who might eventually own TikTok.

Reid Rasner

Wealthy entrepreneur Reid Rasner from Wyoming has entered the fray. In a March 6 interview with NBC News, Rasner asserted that the Trump administration is considering his proposal “very seriously” and is prepared to proceed.

Oracle

Oracle has had a longstanding connection with TikTok. According to an NPR report, negotiations were underway for a deal that would allow Oracle and a group of investors to control TikTok, while ByteDance maintained a minority ownership. Oracle would manage the app’s algorithm, data gathering, and software revisions. Although Trump later refuted direct involvement in the deal, he acknowledged collaborating with “very substantial people” and showed interest in Oracle chairman Larry Ellison acquiring the app.

MrBeast

YouTube and TikTok sensation Jimmy Donaldson, more popularly known as MrBeast, has also shown interest. In January, he humorously tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), “Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned.” Despite the lighthearted approach, his legal team confirmed to CNN that he was genuine and looking into a bid with a consortium of investors.

Project Liberty and Kevin O’Leary

Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary has partnered with Project Liberty founder Frank McCourt to present a $20 billion cash proposal for TikTok. Labeled “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” this initiative has also engaged Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

Steven Mnuchin

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin disclosed to CNBC in March 2023 that he was assembling an investor coalition to obtain TikTok. Mnuchin had previously facilitated a 2020 agreement involving Oracle and Walmart, which ultimately did not materialize.

Perplexity AI and the U.S. Government

AI search engine Perplexity AI has suggested establishing a new U.S.-based holding company, “NewCo,” which would merge with TikTok. As reported by Reuters, this proposal could grant the U.S. government up to a 50% stake in the newly formed entity—raising significant First Amendment issues regarding government participation in content management.

Microsoft

Microsoft is said to be in discussions to purchase TikTok, although specifics have not been disclosed. The tech giant previously investigated a deal in 2020.

Bobby Kotick

Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has also shown interest in buying TikTok, as detailed in a March 2024 report by IGN. However, there is no confirmation that his interest has progressed beyond initial exploration.

Rumble

The video platform Rumble, often regarded as a conservative counterpart to Twitch and YouTube, made a bid for TikTok in March 2024, according to a post on its official X account.

Amazon

In 2024, Forbes reported—citing a former TikTok employee—that Amazon was in talks to take over the app. Similar to many other potential transactions, detailed information remains limited.

The U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund

President Trump has proposed the possibility of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund acquiring TikTok, as reported by the BBC. While this could address national security worries, it introduces new concerns regarding government oversight of a social media platform, particularly related to free speech and content moderation.

This article was first published in February 2025 and has been updated to reflect the most recent developments and prospective buyers.