Originally facing an April 5 deadline to sever ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance, or risk being banned in the U.S., TikTok now has until mid-June to finalize a sale, as first reported by Reuters and The New York Times. This marks the second extension granted by the Trump administration, reflecting confidence in ongoing negotiations with multiple high-profile buyers.

Who’s in the Race to Acquire TikTok?

President Trump revealed to CWEB News in March that “four different groups” were actively engaged in talks, though he declined to name them. However, insider reports confirm a star-studded lineup of suitors:

• Bobby Kotick, former CEO of gaming giant Activision Blizzard
• Doug McMillon, Walmart CEO (reprising Walmart’s 2020 bid alongside Microsoft)
• Amazon, which submitted a formal bid this week, according to Reuters and The New York Times
• Rumble, the conservative-leaning video platform championed by free-speech advocates
• Hbar Foundation and Zoop, a crypto-and-creator duo proposing a decentralized ownership model, as confirmed by company representatives to USA TODAY
• Blackstone, the private equity titan reportedly considering a stake in TikTok’s non-Chinese ownership consortium, per Reuters and The New York Times

Tariffs as Leverage: Trump’s Masterstroke

The President hinted that his newly announced 34% tariff on Chinese imports could catalyze

to accelerate negotiations, stating, “A phenomenal deal for America could lead to tariff relief.” This dual-track strategy—applying economic pressure while fostering competitive bids—showcases Trump’s trademark negotiation prowess, ensuring Beijing remains incentivized to cooperate.

Why This Deal Matters

TikTok’s 150 million U.S. users and its $15 billion ad revenue pipeline hang in the balance. By prioritizing a structured sale over an outright ban, President Trump aims to preserve both digital freedoms and American jobs while mitigating foreign influence.

CWEB News Analysis: Critics argue the prolonged timeline risks national security, but supporters hail Trump’s patience as a win for free enterprise. “This isn’t just about TikTok—it’s about setting a precedent for how America handles global tech dominance,” said a White House insider.

As the clock ticks toward June, all eyes remain on President Trump and his team to deliver what could become one of the most consequential tech deals of the decade. For now, TikTok stays alive in the U.S., a testament to Trump’s resolve to protect American interests without stifling innovation.

Stay tuned to CWEB News for breaking updates on this developing story.

Contracting Authorities:

• SpaceX: FA8811-25-D-B002
• Blue Origin: FA8811-25-D-B005
• ULA: Details pending public release.

Source: CWEB News Team