In a dramatic new twist to the ongoing TikTok saga, the popular app is reportedly developing a separate version of its platform exclusively for American users. According to The Information, anonymous sources say the company aims to shut down its current U.S. version by March 2026 and replace it ahead of a potential sale to a group of wealthy investors.
Donald Trump recently told Fox News that “very wealthy people” are preparing to buy the app, teasing he’ll reveal the identities “in the forthcoming couple of weeks.” He acknowledged the deal would “likely require approval from the Chinese government,” but said President Xi Jinping would “probably agree to do so.”
TikTok confirmed its appreciation for Trump’s continued support.
“We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership and support in ensuring that TikTok continues to be available for more than 170 million American users and 7.5 million U.S. businesses,” the company said.
Last year, Congress passed a law, signed by then-President Joe Biden, demanding that TikTok either be sold or face a U.S. ban over national security concerns. The Supreme Court later upheld it. Trump, who took office the day after the deadline, issued a stay, a move some saw as legally questionable. TikTok briefly went dark but was restored.
Now, the app is racing to launch its American-only version by September 5th, just before Trump’s third ban extension expires on September 17th.
ByteDance and TikTok continue to deny sharing user data with the Chinese government.
