Microsoft making fresh bid to buy TikTok, Trump says

Microsoft, along with Walmart, made a failed bid for TikTok during Donald Trump’s first term after he had tried to ban the app

Reading Time:2 minutes

Published: 1:25pm, 28 Jan 2025Updated: 1:27pm, 28 Jan 2025

Microsoft is among the US companies looking to take control of TikTok to help the popular app avert an effective ban that could kick-in in April, according to President Donald Trump.

“I would say yes,” Trump told reporters on Monday evening when asked if Microsoft was one of the companies interested in helping to bring about a new ownership of TikTok, a requirement set by Congress to keep the app functioning in the US

Trump added that other companies were also interested in purchasing TikTok, but wouldn’t provide a list.

“I like bidding wars because you make your best deals,” Trump said as he spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One while flying back to Washington from Miami, where Republican House members were holding a conference.

Microsoft declined to comment. Representatives for TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on board Air Force One en route from Miami to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday. Photo: AP

In one of his first acts in office last week, Trump extended the deadline for TikTok to find new ownership that satisfies the government by 75 days, to April 4 from January 19.