Thu Apr 03 23:49:06 UTC 2025: ## Trump Claims Imminent TikTok Deal, Averts US Ban

**Washington D.C.** – President Trump announced Thursday that a deal to sell the popular video-sharing app TikTok is imminent, averting a potential US ban. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he stated that his administration is “very close” to finalizing an agreement with a group of investors, though he declined to provide specifics.

The deadline for TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to divest its US operations or face a ban is April 5th. This deadline stems from a national security law passed last year, fueled by concerns about Chinese government control over the app and its access to user data.

While Trump has previously extended the deadline, he expressed confidence Thursday that a sale would be completed before the looming ban. He suggested the deal could even be part of a broader trade agreement with China, potentially involving tariff concessions. “As long as they are giving us something that is good. For instance, with TikTok,” Trump stated, highlighting the leverage tariffs provide in negotiations.

Reports indicate the deal could involve current US investors in ByteDance increasing their stakes in a newly independent global TikTok entity. Additional US investors, including Oracle and Blackstone, are expected to join, diluting Chinese ownership. Oracle, whose servers already host a significant portion of TikTok’s US operations, and its chairman, Larry Ellison – a Trump ally – are key players in this potential solution.

However, uncertainties remain, particularly regarding the future of TikTok’s valuable algorithm. The *New York Times* suggests the new company might license the algorithm from ByteDance. Adding to the complexity, Amazon has reportedly submitted a last-minute bid. The coming days will determine whether this purportedly imminent deal successfully secures TikTok’s future in the United States.

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