Trump Threatens To Ban TikTok, Agrees To Microsoft Pursuing Deal

CULVER CITY, CA — President Trump this weekend threatened to ban TikTok in the U.S., then Monday Trump reportedly agreed to let tech giant Microsoft purchase the social media video platform.

The company reportedly has 45 days to make the deal happen with ByteDance, the Chinese firm that owns the popular app, Reuters reports. The Treasury Department's Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States gave the deadline.

Microsoft has confirmed the deal is underway, and negotiations are in the works with ByteDance. The deal with Microsoft could be completed by September 15.

Microsoft Sunday released a statement on the purchase discussions.

"Following a conversation between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and President Donald J. Trump, Microsoft is prepared to continue discussions to explore a purchase of TikTok in the United States," Microsoft said in a news release.

"Microsoft fully appreciates the importance of addressing the President’s concerns. It is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States, including the United States Treasury."

Data and access to user information is a main source of conflict between the U.S. and China over the social platform TikTok.

"Among other measures, Microsoft would ensure that all private data of TikTok’s American users is transferred to and remains in the United States," Microsoft announced. "To the extent that any such data is currently stored or backed-up outside the United States, Microsoft would ensure that this data is deleted from servers outside the country after it is transferred."

Trump has raised concerns over the app during the past several weeks, citing the growing national security concerns.

"Microsoft appreciates the U.S. Government’s and President Trump’s personal involvement as it continues to develop strong security protections for the country," the company said. "These discussions are preliminary and there can be no assurance that a transaction which involves Microsoft will proceed. We do not intend to provide further updates until there is a definitive outcome to our discussions."

Microsoft has made several moves to acquire social media networks, including LinkedIn in 2017 for $26.2 billion and Minecraft in 2014.

TikTok has nearly 100 million users in the U.S. and opened its new office this year in Culver City at 5800 Bristol Pkwy, Los Angeles. The location has remained closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

If a deal is reached, ByteDance would continue to own the company operations in Beijing and other markets, according to The New York Times.

See more:

• Police Investigate Suspicious Package Near Downtown Santa Monica
• Culver City, Santa Monica To Receive CARES Act Recovery Funding
• California Pizza Kitchen Filing For Bankruptcy