The clock is ticking, and yet, there’s no clear sign of progress. With less than a month left before the 75-day negotiation window closes on TikTok’s potential U.S. deal, the situation is looking increasingly messy. The biggest problem? There isn’t even a designated person leading the talks.
No One Is Leading the Negotiations
TikTok’s survival in the U.S. hinges on a sale, but right now, no one seems to be at the helm of those discussions. According to a report from Axios, the U.S. government has yet to appoint an official to spearhead negotiations, which has effectively stalled any meaningful progress.
Initially, it was assumed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would take charge, given his role as chairman of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). However, Vice President Vance now appears to have taken control. But without formal confirmation, the uncertainty is slowing down talks with potential buyers.
This delay is making things difficult for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, which needs to arrange a sale under the requirements of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. With no clear leadership, it’s unclear how ByteDance will meet the deadline.
Does the Deadline Even Matter?
While the lack of movement is frustrating, some experts believe the 75-day timeline might not actually be as rigid as it seems.
According to Axios, President Trump had no legal basis for extending the original U.S. ban deadline by 75 days. If that’s the case, there’s nothing stopping him from extending it again—or even indefinitely. There’s also a separate proposal from Senator Markey (D-Mass.) to push the deadline back by another 270 days. But that proposal is currently stuck in legislative limbo.
So, while TikTok technically has a deadline, there’s a chance it could be delayed further, leaving the app in legal purgatory.
The Big Tech Players in the Mix
Despite all the uncertainty, several major U.S. tech companies are still in play as potential buyers. Some names have been floating around for months, while others have only recently entered the conversation.
- Oracle: The frontrunner in the discussions. Oracle already facilitates TikTok’s U.S. operations, so acquiring a stake would be a natural extension.
- Amazon: Reportedly considering a deal to use TikTok’s vast reach as a marketing tool for its products.
- Microsoft: Has been in discussions but has remained tight-lipped about any serious interest.
- Investor Groups: Three separate consortiums have also made inquiries, including YouTuber MrBeast, Employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley, and TV personality Kevin O’Leary. However, these bids are considered long shots.
Could the Government Buy a Stake?
In a move that raised eyebrows, former President Trump floated the idea of using a U.S. sovereign wealth fund to buy a stake in TikTok. While that idea hasn’t gained much traction, it has added another layer of confusion to an already chaotic process.
If the government were to take a direct stake in TikTok, it would likely spark legal and ethical debates about federal control over a social media platform. That said, the idea remains just that—a proposal with no clear roadmap.
What Happens Next?
As things stand, TikTok is technically banned in the U.S., and any company facilitating its operations could face fines under the approved bill. Yet, the app is still available, still functioning, and still one of the most popular social media platforms in the country.
With no clear leadership in negotiations and multiple companies circling as potential buyers, TikTok’s future remains uncertain. The next few weeks will be critical, but at this point, anything could happen.
