Oracle would run TikTok’s global operations while Microsoft is in talks to invest, according to NPR.
“I have spoken to many people about TikTok and there is great interest in TikTok,” Trump said on a flight to Florida Saturday, Reuters reported. But according to the outlet, he said Oracle was not among those he’s spoken with:
“No, not with Oracle. Numerous people are talking to me, very substantial people, about buying it and I will make that decision probably over the next 30 days. Congress has given 90 days. If we can save TikTok, I think it would be a good thing.”
Others who have reportedly considered buying TikTok include:
- Elon Musk,
- real estate billionaire Frank McCourt,
- and Shark Tank host Kevin O’Leary.
Trump recently said he would like Larry Ellison, who co-founded Oracle, to buy the platform.
Oracle’s server network already provides the bulk of TikTok’s backbone, and a potential deal with it could see Oracle “effectively monitor and provide oversight with what is going on with TikTok,” according to one of NPR’s anonymous sources, who added that the agreement’s goal is to “minimize Chinese ownership.”
News of the talks comes after President Trump issued an executive order giving TikTok and others a 75-day reprieve from any enforcement action related to the United States’ requirement that ByteDance divest from TikTok. Trump had previously floated the possibility of a “joint venture” in which the US owns 50 percent of the company.
Microsoft declined to comment on this story. We’ve also reached out to Oracle, TikTok, and the White House.
Update January 26th: Added that Microsoft declined to comment. Also added Reuters’ report that President Trump denied working with Oracle on a deal, along with additional context about other potential TikTok buyers.
Source: The Verge
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