TikTok Ban Update: Trump Says TikTok Deal ‘Coming Soon’

Overview

• Only 25 days remain for TikTok to finalise a U.S. sell-off deal under the current extension.
• Oracle Emerges as the Leading Contender for TikTok Deal
• Trump states he will extend the deadline again if necessary to secure a deal.
• House of Marketers insights on what this update means for marketers, brands, and influencers.

Update: Oracle Emerges as the Leading Contender for TikTok Deal

Oracle is now emerging as the frontrunner to secure a deal that would allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S., according to the latest reports.

As per The Information:

“Oracle has emerged as a leading contender to help run TikTok as part of a deal President Donald Trump is orchestrating to satisfy last year’s divest-or-ban law, say investors, bankers, and former executives familiar with the Chinese tech giant.”

This development follows ByteDance’s ongoing collaboration with Oracle on Project Texas. That is a U.S. data separation initiative designed to ease national security concerns. The partnership would also extend to algorithmic oversight, aligning with the regulatory demands set by the U.S. government.

Oracle was previously involved in Trump’s 2020 attempt to transfer TikTok’s U.S. operations, a deal that was ultimately shelved after President Biden took office. 

However, now TikTok must finalise a U.S. ownership arrangement or face an outright ban.

With Oracle’s past ties to Trump and its role in U.S. AI projects, this move seems inevitable—especially with CEO Larry Ellison as a close Trump ally.

Hence, TikTok’s fate in the U.S. remains in flux with just 25 days left to finalise a U.S. sell-off deal. 

Trump further stated that an announcement should be “coming soon,” The President of the USA stated that he’d extend the deadline again in order to facilitate a deal, if need be.

To understand the weight of this update, it’s important to revisit how TikTok arrived at this point.

Is TikTok Illegal in the US now?

Since January 19, 2025, TikTok has technically been operating illegally in the U.S. The set-off bill states that companies facilitating TikTok’s operations could face fines of up to $500 per active U.S. user—a total of billions of dollars.

However, Trump’s executive order has temporarily delayed enforcement, allowing TikTok to continue operations despite legal uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Apple and Google cite concerns about violating the law, which imposes steep financial penalties for entities enabling banned apps.

With Trump’s assurances offering little in the way of legal protection, TikTok remains in a precarious position. It’s functional for existing users but unavailable for new downloads.

Trump’s Support for TikTok’s Role in Impacting Politics

Beyond the legal and business aspects, TikTok’s role in shaping public discourse is one of the most significant factors in this saga.

With over 170 million U.S. users, TikTok is more than just an entertainment platform—it is a cultural and political force.

TikTok has transformed how information spreads. Activists, brands, and political candidates use TikTok to shape opinions and mobilise supporters. This is evident in Trump’s own words, as he now proudly refers to himself as a “big star” on TikTok.

However, this level of influence has only fueled concerns from lawmakers who believe that ByteDance’s control over the app could pose risks to national security and information integrity. 

The ongoing debate highlights the growing tension between social media’s role in democracy and the government’s regulatory efforts.

TikTok’s Misfortune is a Business Opportunity for the U.S.

Since returning to office, Trump has positioned himself as the key negotiator in keeping TikTok operational in the U.S. 

Trump’s statement on his Truth Social platform underscored his financial perspective on the deal:

“I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up. Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars—maybe trillions.”

Source:truthsocial.com

Trump’s plan appears to involve a revenue-sharing model that would benefit the U.S. government while keeping TikTok’s infrastructure intact.

Whether the platform remains intact or shifts under new ownership, businesses need to prepare for every possible scenario.

What This Update Means for Marketers and Creators?

At  House of Marketers, we help brands navigate rapid social media changes—and TikTok’s legal uncertainty is no exception.

So…what should businesses focus on in light of the looming TikTok Ban?

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• Stay informed—TikTok’s legal status could impact advertising strategies and influencer partnerships.
• Diversify your platforms—Explore Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and emerging spaces like Lemon8 to maintain audience engagement.
• Monitor ad costs—Brands exiting TikTok could cause ad prices to drop, creating opportunities for those who stay invested.
• Follow top creators—Influencers will migrate to new platforms if a ban takes effect. Brands that stay ahead of these shifts will have a competitive edge.

Whether TikTok remains in the U.S. or transforms under new ownership, this is a pivotal moment for digital marketing.

The TikTok ban debate is far from over, and the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the platform remains in the U.S.

For brands and marketers, the key to success in this uncertain environment is staying ahead of the curve. At House of Marketers, we specialise in adapting to social media shifts and ensuring our clients maintain a strong digital presence—even in times of upheaval.

Our team is here to help you navigate these changes and capitalise on new opportunities as they arise.

Stay ahead with House of Marketers Trust us for actionable insights and expert strategies to navigate the TikTok saga and beyond.