President Donald Trump is set to convene a critical White House meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, to discuss a potential deal for TikTok, with the clock ticking toward a Saturday deadline that could determine the app’s fate in the U.S. According to two sources familiar with the plans speaking to NBC News, Trump will be joined by Vice President JD Vance and key advisors as they weigh offers to keep the popular social media platform operational. With national security concerns and a $50 billion valuation in play, this meeting could shape TikTok’s future—and Trump’s legacy on tech policy.
A High-Stakes Oval Office Gathering
The Oval Office meeting will feature heavy hitters like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, one source confirmed. CBS News first reported the scheduled talks, though White House spokespeople have yet to provide further details. Vice President Vance, alongside Waltz, has been tasked by Trump to spearhead negotiations—a role they’ve embraced since Trump extended the app’s deadline on his first day in office.
TikTok’s U.S. operations have been under scrutiny since 2024, when then-President Joe Biden signed bipartisan legislation forcing its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest or face a nationwide ban. No deal materialized under Biden, but Trump’s executive order pushed the deadline to April 5, 2025, giving negotiators a narrow window to broker a sale. With millions of American users and a valuation as high as $50 billion, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Vance’s Optimism and Potential Buyers
Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence in securing a deal. In a March interview with NBC News, he said, “There will almost certainly be a high-level agreement that I think satisfies our national security concerns, allows there to be a distinct American TikTok enterprise.” His optimism fuels speculation about who might take over the app. Wyoming entrepreneur Reid Rasner, CEO of Omnivest Financial, has publicly offered $47.45 billion, while Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian recently joined a bid led by businessman Frank McCourt. Other suitors remain in the shadows, but Trump hinted at robust interest during a Sunday chat with reporters aboard Air Force One.
“There’s tremendous interest in TikTok,” Trump said. “We have a great team of people who are thinking, basically bidding. We have a lot of people who want to buy TikTok.” He also noted ongoing talks with China, acknowledging Beijing’s potential role in approving any sale—a wrinkle that could complicate negotiations.
The TikTok Saga: From Ban Threats to Bidding Wars
TikTok’s journey in the U.S. has been a rollercoaster. Initially targeted by Trump during his first term over data privacy fears tied to ByteDance’s Chinese ties, the app faced ban threats that courts later blocked. Trump’s stance softened during the 2024 election, crediting TikTok with helping him win younger voters. Now, in his second term, he’s pivoted to “saving” it, but only if it aligns with national security goals. The April 5 deadline—set by Trump’s 75-day extension—looms as a make-or-break moment.
Rumors of buyers have swirled for months. Beyond Rasner and Ohanian-McCourt, names like Oracle and Blackstone have surfaced as potential players. Yet, details remain scarce, and ByteDance’s willingness to sell is uncertain. Trump’s team must navigate not just bidder interest but also China’s approval process, adding layers of complexity to an already unprecedented White House-led deal.
What’s at Stake—and What Happens Next?
A successful sale could preserve TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users’ access while addressing fears of Chinese data harvesting. Failure, however, risks a ban that could alienate young voters and disrupt businesses reliant on the platform. Trump’s hands-on approach—meeting with advisors and hinting at tariff reductions to sway China—underscores his determination to resolve this saga on his terms. “The decision will be mine,” he told reporters, signaling his intent to steer the outcome.
As Wednesday’s meeting nears, all eyes are on Vance and the advisory team. Will they finalize a “high-level agreement” by Saturday, as Vance predicts, or will Trump extend the deadline again? The outcome could redefine U.S. tech policy and Trump’s second-term agenda.
Conclusion: TikTok’s Fate Hangs in the Balance
With the April 5 deadline fast approaching, Trump’s TikTok meeting on April 2 could be a turning point. Whether it’s Rasner’s $47.45 billion bid, a McCourt-led consortium, or an unexpected contender, the decision will ripple across politics, tech, and national security. For now, TikTok’s future—and Trump’s strategy—remains a hot topic, one that’s sure to dominate headlines as the week unfolds.