Perplexity Drops a BOMBSHELL Bid for TikTok: U.S. Government Could Own 50%
The AI Giant Steps Up Its Game
Perplexity AI just threw a curveball in the high-stakes battle for TikTok. The AI search engine powerhouse has submitted a REVISED proposal to merge with TikTok, and this time, the U.S. government could walk away with a whopping 50% ownership stake. This isn’t just another tech deal—it’s a geopolitical POWER MOVE.
What’s in the New Bid?
According to The Associated Press, Perplexity’s latest proposal includes a plan for the U.S. government to secure its stake after an initial public offering (IPO) of at least $300 million. But here’s the kicker: TikTok’s current Chinese owner, ByteDance, could still retain some ownership. That’s right—this deal could be a win-win for both sides.
“This isn’t just about TikTok—it’s about securing the future of U.S. tech dominance.”
Source close to the negotiations
Why the Sudden Shift?
Perplexity reportedly revised its bid after feedback from President Donald Trump’s administration. Remember when TikTok briefly went down last weekend? That was due to a law forcing ByteDance to sell the app or face a U.S. ban. But after Trump hinted at extending the sale deadline and expressed his desire for the U.S. to hold 50% ownership, the game changed.
- Trump’s Influence: The President’s push for U.S. ownership has clearly shaped Perplexity’s strategy.
- Oracle’s Shadow: Reports suggest Oracle, TikTok’s current infrastructure provider, might also be in the mix. But when asked, Trump remained coy, saying he’s spoken to “many people about TikTok” but “not with Oracle.”
What’s at Stake?
This isn’t just about who owns TikTok—it’s about CONTROL. With over 1 billion active users worldwide, TikTok is a cultural and political juggernaut. If the U.S. government secures a 50% stake, it could reshape the global tech landscape and set a precedent for future deals involving foreign-owned apps.
What’s Next?
As negotiations heat up, one thing is clear: Perplexity isn’t backing down. This revised bid is a bold play that could redefine the rules of the game. Will ByteDance bite? Will the U.S. government step in? Stay tuned—this story is FAR from over.
“The future of TikTok isn’t just a business decision—it’s a geopolitical chess move.”
TechCrunch Insider
