TikTok’s future in the United States is unclear as a key deadline draws near. The federal ban on the platform was held up by Former President Donald Trump, but that hold is expected to expire on April 5. Now, the question is whether an agreement will be made to allow TikTok to continue to operate while questions about national security are resolved. Oracle is the top contender to assume control of TikTok’s U.S. operations, but TikTok Negotiations for U.S. Operations are ongoing and important details remain unsettled.
TikTok’s Rocky Journey in America
TikTok has been under fire for years. Politicians have worried about ByteDance, the app’s Chinese parent, and whether or not it has any connections to the Chinese government. Even though TikTok has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, the American government has demanded a sale of its business in America.
In April 2024, there came into effect a federal ban on TikTok, which prevented U.S. users from accessing it. The ban was upheld by the Supreme Court, strengthening lawmakers’ view that ByteDance was a security threat. But when Trump was back in office in 2025, he signed an executive order suspending the ban. Thus, TikTok continued to operate, but for just a temporary time. Now, the administration needs to complete an agreement prior to April 5, or else the ban might be re-imposed.
Oracle’s Potential Role in the TikTok Negotiations for U.S. Operations
Trump has mentioned that four groups are in contention for the TikTok deal. While he has not disclosed all of them, reports suggest Oracle is the frontrunner. The company is reportedly in discussions with the White House to oversee TikTok’s U.S. data and ensure it remains separate from ByteDance and the Chinese government.
Under the new TikTok Negotiations for U.S. Operations, Oracle’s involvement is under question. While it would handle the data security of TikTok, ByteDance would reportedly continue to have control over its algorithm. It decides what users see, making it the most important aspect of TikTok. Some lawmakers are concerned that keeping ByteDance in the loop may still enable China to get access to the data of the users, jeopardizing national security.
Other Possible Buyers of TikTok
While Oracle is the front-runner, other groups have also shown interest in TikTok. Perplexity AI, an artificial intelligence company, has been reported to be involved in the deal. Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has also looked into a possible bid.
In addition, two groups of investors, one being billionaire Frank McCourt and the other being Employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley, have also expressed interest. Microsoft was also in the mix, and Wyoming businessman Reid Rasner has also placed a bid. Rasner’s offer entails a subscription-based system where creators would pay for additional benefits.
Trump has indicated he would like to see the federal government own 50% of TikTok, but it remains to be seen if this will be included in the final agreement.
The Current TikTok Negotiations for U.S. Operations
Talks are progressing rapidly, but no deal has been finalized. Oracle is said to be speeding up negotiations with the White House, and company executives are meeting with lawmakers this week. Vice President JD Vance, who is spearheading the administration’s talks, is optimistic. He said a high-level deal will probably be in place by April 5, but completing the paperwork may take longer.
One of the main hurdles is China’s approval. The government of China has before refused any sort of forced sale of TikTok, although it has eased its stand recently. Any offer that demands ByteDance to sell out from TikTok would also require Beijing’s approval, making the negotiations even more complicated.
What Happens Next?
If no agreement is reached by April 5, Trump may further extend the suspension of the ban. The legislation permits him to suspend enforcement for up to 90 days if there is continuing progress toward a sale. Trump has already signaled he would “probably” push back the deadline if necessary.
For the time being, TikTok is still available in the U.S. Its long-term prospects hinge on whether a deal can meet national security interests without taking away the app for millions of American users.
With ongoing TikTok Negotiations for U.S. Operations, everyone waits to see what Oracle, the White House, and the Chinese government do next. The next few weeks will show if TikTok continues to be a prominent platform in the U.S. or if it ends up with another shutdown war.
