Amazon Makes Last-Minute Bid for TikTok Before Deadline

NEW YORK, U.S. — Amazon.com has made a last-minute offer to acquire TikTok, the popular short-form video application, according to a report by the New York Times. This bid comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is reviewing proposals regarding TikTok ahead of a looming April 5 deadline.

Reports indicate that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, must divest its ownership of the app or face a nationwide ban, as stipulated by a bipartisan law passed in 2024. A White House official confirmed that the Trump administration is evaluating potential buyers.

Amazon’s offer was submitted via a letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Following the announcement, Amazon’s stock experienced a slight uptick of 1.3%, reflecting investor interest amid the high-stakes negotiations.

While Amazon’s bid signals a serious intention to enter the emerging social media marketplace, unnamed sources indicated that other stakeholders may not view the offer as credible. Both ByteDance and TikTok have yet to comment on the situation, while Amazon has declined to disclose further details regarding its bid.

The tension surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S. stems from national security concerns. Lawmakers argue that ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government pose risks, including the potential misuse of U.S. user data. In response, Trump has expressed his desire to facilitate a deal that keeps TikTok operational in the country.

Earlier communications from Trump noted that his administration was in discussions with various parties interested in TikTok, but specific details remain sparse. Special attention is also expected after Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the divestiture law by 75 days.

“We have a lot of potential buyers,” Trump stated aboard Air Force One, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to finding a resolution. As the deadline approaches, pressure mounts on all involved parties to finalize any potential agreements.

This latest development in the TikTok saga has drawn attention to the implications of ownership for American users and the interests of national security. In light of the recent fluctuation in Amazon’s stock price, investor sentiment will likely be closely monitored as the situation evolves.