Business & Events

Trump Says TikTok Buyer Group Found

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that a buyer group for TikTok has been identified, a development that could reignite the long-standing debate around the popular social media platform’s ownership and national security implications. Speaking on the matter, Trump did not disclose specific names but indicated progress in what has been a multi-year saga surrounding TikTok’s operations in the United States. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has faced increasing scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers over concerns about data privacy and potential influence from the Chinese government. The Biden administration, like its predecessor, has maintained a cautious stance toward the app, with ongoing negotiations and legal challenges delaying any forced divestment. Trump’s announcement may signal renewed efforts to push for a sale that would satisfy national security concerns while keeping the app active in the U.S. market.

Banning TikTok: Turning point for U.S. data security or threat to free  speech?

Read Also - Anna Wintour Steps Back as Vogue Editor-in-Chief

Donald Trump says he has a buyer for TikTok, but won't reveal who for 'two  weeks' | Mint

In a related development, Canada has officially withdrawn its proposed digital services tax, a move widely interpreted as an olive branch to resume trade negotiations with the United States. The tax, initially aimed at targeting large U.S.-based tech giants that dominate online advertising and e-commerce, had sparked tension between the two allies. The Canadian government stated that the decision was made in the spirit of “fair and open trade” and alignment with ongoing discussions under the OECD framework for a global tax deal. This decision could smooth trade relations and potentially avoid retaliatory tariffs that were being considered by the U.S.

Meanwhile, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk publicly criticized the U.S. Senate’s version of a proposed spending bill backed by former President Trump, focusing on the removal of electric vehicle (EV) tax credits. The current draft eliminates key financial incentives for EV buyers, a move Musk argues would undermine the country’s transition to clean energy. Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has been an outspoken advocate for sustainable transportation and has benefited from EV tax credits in the past. His disapproval reflects growing tension between lawmakers and the clean tech sector over how federal funding should support innovation and climate goals.

The convergence of these headlines paints a complex picture of how technology, politics, and international trade continue to intersect in 2025. Trump’s involvement in the TikTok discussion could be part of a broader political strategy as he remains a central figure in Republican circles and is expected to influence the upcoming election cycle. His earlier attempts to force a sale of TikTok in 2020 led to Oracle and Walmart being named potential buyers, though that deal eventually stalled. It’s unclear whether the newly mentioned buyer group includes these companies or introduces new players.

The Canadian reversal on digital services taxation is also noteworthy in the context of global tech regulation. Several nations have considered taxing large digital platforms that generate significant revenue within their borders, often without a physical presence. The U.S. has generally opposed these taxes, claiming they unfairly target American firms. Canada’s decision may strengthen North American cooperation at a time when the global tech landscape is becoming more fragmented due to national regulations and protectionist policies.

On the climate policy front, the Senate’s proposed changes to the spending bill could have long-term implications for the U.S. EV market. The removal of tax credits may slow consumer adoption of electric vehicles and affect manufacturers’ ability to scale operations affordably. Musk’s reaction is indicative of the broader tech industry's unease with shifting policy frameworks that appear to deprioritize environmental incentives in favor of other fiscal or political agendas.

As these developments unfold, industry analysts and policymakers alike will be watching closely. The next few months could prove pivotal in determining TikTok’s future in the U.S., the trajectory of North American digital trade relations, and the national direction for clean energy investment. Each of these decisions—whether related to platform ownership, taxation, or sustainability—will shape the digital economy and policy landscape well into the next decade.

site_map