The future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain as fresh deadlines approach and political, legal, and business interests continue to collide.
Despite repeated assurances from political leaders that a deal is imminent, the popular short-form video platform is still owned by Chinese tech firm ByteDance, leaving investors, users, and policymakers unsure about what comes next.
At the center of the latest developments is billionaire investor Frank McCourt, who has publicly stated that he and his investment group are ready to move forward if the opportunity finally materializes.
A Deadline That Keeps Moving
TikTok was originally supposed to be sold or banned in the United States in January 2025, following the passage of a law by the US Congress in 2024. The law required ByteDance to divest TikTok’s US operations or face a nationwide ban over national security concerns.
Lawmakers argued that ByteDance’s ties to China posed a risk, suggesting that Beijing could potentially force the company to hand over sensitive data belonging to American users. TikTok has consistently denied these claims, stating that US user data is protected and stored securely.
The law was signed by President Joe Biden before leaving office and was later upheld by the Supreme Court in early 2025, reinforcing the government’s authority to enforce the sale or ban.
However, enforcement has been anything but straightforward.
US President Donald Trump initially set a compliance deadline of December 16, later extending it to January 23, 2026, through a new executive order. Each extension has only added to the confusion surrounding TikTok’s fate.
Investors Waiting on the Sidelines
Frank McCourt, a billionaire investor and founder of Project Liberty, said that he has been left waiting as deadlines come and go.
“We’re just standing by and waiting to see what happens,” McCourt said. “But if the moment arrives, we’re prepared to move forward… we have raised the capital to buy it.”
McCourt is part of a broader investor group that includes Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary. Their interest centers on acquiring TikTok’s US operations while ensuring compliance with American laws and regulatory expectations.
Despite their readiness, McCourt admitted that uncertainty around government approvals and international negotiations has stalled progress.
Claims of a Deal — But No Confirmation
President Trump and members of his administration have repeatedly claimed that a TikTok deal had been reached and even suggested it had the approval of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump also said that “sophisticated” US investors would be involved in acquiring TikTok, naming Oracle chairman Larry Ellison and Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell as potential participants.
Administration officials had hinted that the deal would be finalized during a high-level meeting between Trump and Xi in October. That meeting, however, concluded without any formal announcement or agreement.
Since then, neither ByteDance nor Chinese authorities have publicly confirmed approval of any sale. The lack of official confirmation has raised doubts about whether Beijing is willing to allow TikTok’s core technology to change hands.
Concerns Over Power and Influence
McCourt has voiced concerns beyond ownership, particularly around the concentration of power held by large digital platforms.
“Platforms like TikTok are very influencing,”, adding that any future ownership should prioritize legal compliance and transparency.
He said his preference would be for TikTok to either be sold responsibly or shut down entirely if it cannot operate within US law.
One of the most significant aspects of McCourt’s proposal is his intention to operate TikTok without any Chinese technology, including its highly influential recommendation algorithm.
Replacing TikTok’s Algorithm?
TikTok’s success is largely driven by its powerful algorithm, which tailors content with remarkable accuracy and keeps users engaged for hours. Any sale that excludes this technology would fundamentally change the platform.
McCourt’s Project Liberty claims it has developed alternative technology that could replace TikTok’s existing algorithm. While details remain limited, the proposal aligns with US concerns about foreign control over content distribution and data flows.
Still, experts argue that removing TikTok’s original algorithm could significantly impact user experience, content reach, and creator engagement.
What This Means for Users and Creators
For TikTok’s millions of US users and creators, the uncertainty is unsettling. Each deadline extension delays clarity but keeps the threat of a sudden ban alive.
Creators who rely on TikTok for income and brand partnerships continue to diversify their presence across platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, preparing for a worst-case scenario.
Advertisers, meanwhile, remain cautious, monitoring regulatory developments closely before committing long-term budgets.
The Road Ahead
As of now, TikTok remains operational in the United States, but its long-term future is far from guaranteed. The next few months will be critical, especially as the January 2026 deadline approaches.
Without clear approval from ByteDance and Chinese authorities, claims of a completed deal remain speculative. Meanwhile, investors like Frank McCourt wait, prepared but powerless to act.
Whether TikTok is sold, restructured, or ultimately banned, the situation highlights the growing tension between national security, global technology platforms, and digital influence in an increasingly connected world.
One thing is certain: TikTok’s US story is far from over.
