The potential resolution of the United States’ TikTok situation appears to be gaining momentum, thanks to a new plan reportedly being crafted by the Trump administration.
The TikTok ban, initially enacted by Congress and supported by former President Joe Biden, requires the social media app to find non-Chinese ownership or face a ban in the U.S.
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In the days leading up to President Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president, he suggested that he might delay the TikTok ban. He considered issuing an executive order to postpone the ban for 90 days. On the first day of his presidency, Trump followed through, signing an executive order that paused the ban for 75 days. Despite the Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene, TikTok briefly went offline before resuming service in the United States.
National Public Radio has reported that the Trump administration is working on a potential solution involving software company Oracle and a consortium of investors. This arrangement would allow them to take control of TikTok’s global operations.
Under this plan, ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based owner, would maintain a minority stake, while Oracle would oversee the app’s algorithm, data collection, and software updates.
The goal is to have Oracle effectively monitor TikTok, ensuring transparency and minimizing Chinese ownership. Microsoft has also been mentioned as a potential investor in these discussions.
This is not the first time Oracle has been mentioned in connection with a Twitter acquisition. During Trump’s previous term, a proposed takeover involving Oracle and Walmart fell apart. A source indicated that Walmart withdrew from the negotiations due to concerns over the app’s valuation.
During the Biden administration, another potential solution, known as Project Texas, was considered. However, it did not adequately guarantee TikTok’s independence from ByteDance. Concerns about a security vulnerability that could allow China access to American user data were raised but remained unresolved.
There has been speculation about the U.S. government acquiring a partial ownership stake in TikTok. However, sources indicate that Trump’s remarks about a 50% equity stake are ambiguous and have led to varying interpretations.
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Congressional approval is a significant hurdle for any deal, as lawmakers and the public continue to express concerns about potential Chinese influence over TikTok’s operations. A congressional staffer emphasized the importance of binding legal agreements to ensure that ByteDance does not have covert control over the app.
Both Google and Apple would need to approve any agreement, as they have not reinstated TikTok in their app stores since the ban took effect. The next steps in the process could unfold as early as next week, with officials from Oracle and the White House scheduled to meet again.
The situation remains fluid as the new administration explores ways to navigate the complexities of the TikTok deal. Although Oracle, Walmart, Microsoft, Google, and the White House did not respond to NPR’s requests for comment, the potential involvement of these major players adds an intriguing dimension to the story.
This evolving narrative suggests that the Trump administration is committed to finding a resolution that balances security concerns with the app’s widespread popularity.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this proposed plan will unfold and what impact it will have on TikTok’s future in the United States.
RedState will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available. This ongoing story highlights the intricate dance between technology, politics, and national security, with significant implications for the future of social media in the country.
