Trump’s Efforts to Save TikTok: A Potential Deal on the Horizon

On Saturday, President Donald Trump hinted at a potential deal that could “save” TikTok from a looming ban, indicating that he may broker an arrangement that appeases both users and concerned state authorities. His optimism comes amidst growing skepticism from Republican state attorneys general, many of whom question the app’s national security implications.

Trump’s Interest in TikTok

While speaking to reporters on Air Force One during a flight to Florida, Trump expressed, “I have spoken to many people about TikTok and there is great interest in TikTok,” according to a report from Reuters.

The deal currently under consideration involves a partnership with the software company Oracle, which could help take charge of TikTok’s operations along with a group of outside investors. Sources familiar with the negotiations indicate that ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, would retain a stake in the platform while Oracle would oversee crucial data management and software updates—roles they have already been fulfilling for TikTok’s web infrastructure.

The Politics of TikTok

Trump’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has touted the President’s knack for deal-making, stating, “President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to save TikTok, and there’s no better dealmaker than Donald Trump.” However, the path forward contains significant hurdles, particularly from within his party.

Several Republican attorneys general have expressed serious national security concerns and actively sought actions to ban TikTok. In December 2024, attorneys general from 22 states, including Virginia and Montana, filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a “divest-or-ban” law targeting TikTok. This law mandates that ByteDance divest its U.S. operations or face a potential ban.

Legal Challenges Facing TikTok

In recent developments, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated legal action against TikTok, alleging that the platform “lied about its safety standards and concealed the truth about the prevalence of inappropriate and explicit material.” While Paxton’s legal suit does not aim for a ban, it reflects the growing apprehensions surrounding the app.

A source affiliated with several Republican state attorneys general commented on the situation, expressing confidence that if anyone can forge a deal to protect U.S. interests from the perceived threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party, it is Trump. Nonetheless, they maintained that if the app poses any national security risks, a ban would still be warranted.

Concerns Beyond Party Lines

The apprehensions regarding TikTok’s security and safety do not reside solely among Republicans. Several Democratic attorneys general have also pursued legal actions against the app. In October 2024, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and New York Attorney General Letitia James spearheaded a lawsuit alongside twelve other states and the District of Columbia. The suit contends that TikTok exploits and endangers young users while misleading the public regarding potential dangers associated with the platform.

Surprisingly, despite his earlier attempts to ban TikTok during his first term, Trump acknowledged the app’s role in reaching young voters during the 2024 presidential campaign. As negotiations unfold, one critical factor remains the legal backdrop against which these discussions take place.

Supreme Court Ruling and TikTok’s Dark Days

Earlier this month, TikTok appeared to face imminent suspension after ByteDance opted to challenge the divest-or-ban law in court. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately upheld the law, citing significant national security risks due to TikTok’s ties with China.

Despite this bleak moment, TikTok was quickly reinstated for U.S. users the day after the ruling, with Trump promising an executive order to facilitate TikTok’s sale. Upon returning, TikTok greeted its users with a message of thanks: “Welcome back! Thank you for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”

The Road Ahead

As the negotiations continue, both Trump and his advisers are under pressure to ensure that TikTok can operate securely in the U.S. while addressing the significant data privacy concerns voiced by attorneys general across the political spectrum. As the clock ticks, the eyes of users and policymakers alike are glued to the potential outcome of these discussions.

As of this moment, Fox News Digital has reached out to TikTok for comments on the recent developments and any future plans regarding the app’s operations in the United States.

Fox Business’ Alexandra Koch, Bradford Betz, and Landon Mion contributed to this report.