TikTok’s US Future Hangs in the Balance as Sale Deadline Looms
TikTok Sale in the US Remains Uncertain
The fate of TikTok in the United States remains unclear as the latest deadline for the platform’s sale or potential ban approaches. Billionaire investor Frank McCourt, among others interested in acquiring TikTok’s US operations, says he is in limbo as the situation drags on.
Originally, US law required TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban for American users. President Donald Trump initially set the compliance deadline for December 16, 2025, but later extended it to January 23, 2026, via a new executive order.
Investors Ready, Waiting
McCourt told the BBC, “We’re just standing by and waiting to see what happens. But if the moment arrives, we’re prepared to move forward… we’ve raised the capital to buy it — we’ll see.”
His investment group includes notable figures like Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and Canadian investor Kevin O’Leary. They hope to acquire and operate TikTok without any Chinese technology, including its recommendation algorithm, using technology developed under Project Liberty.
Why the Sale is Being Pushed
The US Congress passed a law in 2024 citing national security concerns over TikTok’s connections to China. Lawmakers feared that Beijing could force ByteDance to provide US user data.
TikTok and ByteDance have consistently rejected these claims, insisting that the platform does not pose a national security risk. The law was signed by President Joe Biden and upheld by the Supreme Court in early 2025.
Trump’s Role and Past Claims
During his presidency, Trump claimed that a TikTok sale deal had been finalized, with approval from Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also named high-profile US investors like Oracle chairman Larry Ellison and Michael Dell of Dell Technologies as part of the acquisition plan.
However, a planned meeting between Trump and Xi in October ended without an agreement, and ByteDance or Beijing have yet to approve a sale.
Investor Concerns and Expectations
McCourt expressed concern about concentration of power, emphasizing that platforms like TikTok have enormous influence. His hope is that the platform either:
- Shuts down in the US
- Is sold to investors who comply with the law
He stressed the importance of operating TikTok independently of Chinese technology, highlighting that Project Liberty has alternative technology to power the platform’s recommendation systems.
What Happens Next?
The US government’s approach continues to hinge on legal compliance and national security concerns. With the January 23, 2026, deadline approaching, all eyes are on ByteDance, US investors, and Washington to see whether TikTok will change ownership or face a ban.
