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Vice President JD Vance expressed confidence Friday that a deal to sell TikTok to a U.S.-based buyer will be largely in place by the April 5 deadline, ensuring the popular social media app continues operating in the United States.
“There will almost certainly be a high-level agreement that satisfies our national security concerns and allows for a distinct American TikTok enterprise,” Vance said in an interview with NBC News aboard Air Force Two.
Trump’s Executive Order & the Deadline
The uncertainty over TikTok’s future stems from a bipartisan law signed by former President Joe Biden, which forced ByteDance—the app’s China-based owner—to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese company or face a nationwide ban.
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying the ban for 75 days, effectively giving TikTok until April 5 to finalize a sale.
Trump said Sunday aboard Air Force One that he hopes a deal will be reached soon and mentioned his administration is negotiating with four different groups—though he did not specify their identities.
He also indicated that an extension is possible if more time is needed.
Who’s Bidding for TikTok?
Despite the looming deadline, ByteDance has not confirmed whether it is actively negotiating with a U.S. buyer. However, several prominent investors and business leaders have expressed interest in acquiring the platform, which has been valued at up to $50 billion.
Potential TikTok Buyers:
- Reid Rasner, CEO of Omnivest Financial, reportedly offered $47.45 billion.
- Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder, has joined a bid led by businessman Frank McCourt.
- Other unnamed groups are reportedly in talks.
Vance: “The Deal Will Be Very Clear”
While Vance did not reveal details about potential buyers, he emphasized that finalizing legal documents could push the official sale beyond April 5.
“Some of these deals that are much smaller and involve less capital take months to close,” Vance said. “We’re trying to close this thing by early April. I think the outlines of the deal will be very clear. The question is whether we can get all the paperwork done.”
Despite the complexities, Vance hopes an extension won’t be needed.
“We’d like to get it done without an extension,” he said. “I think we’re going to be in a place where we can say TikTok is operational and that it’s also protective of Americans’ data privacy and national security.”
What’s Next for TikTok?
With less than a month remaining before the deadline, the pressure is mounting to secure a deal that satisfies national security concerns while allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S.
If a sale agreement isn’t finalized in time, Trump’s administration may decide to grant an extension—or enforce the ban, a move that could spark legal and political battles.
For now, Vance remains optimistic that a resolution is imminent.
