ByteDance board member Bill Ford signals that negotiations to preserve TikTok’s U.S. operations could conclude within days as potential buyers, including tech executives and content creators, emerge amid regulatory pressure.

As Axios reports, Ford, who serves as CEO of General Atlantic, a major ByteDance investor, claims discussions are advancing toward a solution that might not require full divestiture. 

Speaking at a Davos event in Switzerland, Ford emphasized that any agreement will need approval from the Chinese and U.S. governments, along with ByteDance’s board.

Presidential Intervention and Potential Buyers 

President Donald Trump’s recent executive order has provided a 75-day enforcement delay for the Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which mandates the divestment of TikTok’s U.S. operations or a nationwide ban. 

Trump indicates openness to a partial 50% sale and has named potential buyers, including X owner Elon Musk and Oracle executive chairman Larry Ellison.

The pool of prospective buyers includes investor Frank McCourt and prominent content creator Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), who have submitted bids for undisclosed amounts. 

Trump frames the mandated sale as a business opportunity, stating Tuesday, Jan. 21, that he “has the right to make a deal.” The development follows Trump’s turnaround regarding TikTok, which he attributes to personal experience with the platform. 

The original legislation, signed by former President Joe Biden in April 2024 with bipartisan support, required TikTok’s sale by January 19 to prevent a U.S. ban.