The TikTok Saga: A High-Stakes Tech Drama

The Trump administration is reportedly in the final stages of negotiating a blockbuster deal that could see Oracle take over TikTok, alongside new U.S. investors. This move comes after lawmakers passed a bill last year forcing Chinese parent company ByteDance to either sell TikTok or face a ban in the U.S. The app briefly went dark before the law took effect on January 20, but incoming President Donald Trump stepped in with an executive order delaying the ban.

“A joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership.”

— President Donald Trump

Oracle Steps Into the Ring

According to NPR, the deal is shaping up to have Oracle take control of TikTok’s global operations, while ByteDance retains a minority stake. This isn’t Oracle’s first rodeo with TikTok; during Trump’s first term, Oracle emerged as a potential buyer, though the deal didn’t materialize. However, TikTok later shifted all its U.S. traffic to Oracle servers, signaling a growing partnership.

Trump’s Wildcard Moves

At a recent press conference, Trump hinted at other potential buyers, including X owner Elon Musk and Oracle chairman Larry Ellison. This has left some senators who supported the ban-or-sell bill scratching their heads, as the law requires ByteDance to fully divest from TikTok.

• Oracle’s Role: Taking control of TikTok’s global operations.
• ByteDance’s Stake: Retaining a minority share in the app.
• Trump’s Vision: A 50% U.S. ownership in a joint venture.

The Bigger Picture

This deal isn’t just about TikTok; it’s a high-stakes game of tech diplomacy. With Oracle potentially at the helm, the U.S. could gain significant control over one of the world’s most popular social media platforms. But as the negotiations continue, one thing is clear: the future of TikTok is anything but certain.

“The law requires ByteDance to fully divest, but Trump’s plans are adding a layer of complexity.”

— NPR Report

What’s Next?

As the Trump administration and Oracle hammer out the details, the tech world is watching closely. Will this deal go through, or will TikTok face a ban? One thing’s for sure: the stakes couldn’t be higher.