Vice President JD Vance is facing a major challenge as he tries to secure a deal to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. The popular short-form video app is at risk of being banned unless it is sold to a non-Chinese owner—a high-stakes situation with geopolitical and corporate implications.
Last week, an aide to Vance reached out to billionaire Frank McCourt, who has floated a $20 billion bid to acquire TikTok. The aide sought details about the offer, one of several proposals aimed at taking control of the platform, according to sources familiar with the matter.
This outreach marks one of Vance’s first steps since President Trump tasked him with finding a solution to keep TikTok accessible while addressing national security concerns. Although the law banning the app unless it is sold took effect recently, Trump has delayed enforcement until early April, buying time for negotiations.
The Challenge Ahead
Vance’s involvement places him at the center of a complex and uncertain process. It remains unclear who could realistically acquire TikTok, or whether its Chinese owner, ByteDance, and the Chinese government would approve a sale. The Trump administration also faces scrutiny for its decision to push back the original January 19 deadline set by the law.
According to analysts and insiders, Vance’s direct role ensures that he and Trump—both of whom previously supported banning TikTok—are now publicly accountable for crafting a resolution. His presence could also add credibility to negotiations, said Peter Harrell, a former White House official focused on national security and economic policy.
“What he brings to the role is that everyone will take his calls and take him seriously,” Harrell said. “Given that Trump has clearly put him in charge, most will assume he speaks for the president.”
A High-Stakes Negotiation
Vance’s efforts to navigate the TikTok situation were first reported by Punchbowl News and later confirmed by a source familiar with the discussions. His spokeswoman, Taylor Van Kirk, stated that “President Trump and Vice President Vance are committed to preserving free speech and ensuring access to TikTok while protecting Americans’ data from security threats.”
TikTok has yet to comment on the situation.
Meanwhile, Apple and Google reinstated TikTok in their U.S. app stores after receiving assurances from the Justice Department that they would not face penalties for hosting the app.
Vance’s background in venture capital and technology—having worked at Mithril Capital, a firm co-founded by Trump ally Peter Thiel—has given him strong connections in Silicon Valley. He has previously invested in Rumble, a right-leaning video platform that competes with YouTube, and has been vocal in his skepticism of major tech giants like Google and Meta.
Some believe his involvement could help preserve competition in the digital space. “Vance is not a fan of the biggest U.S. internet companies,” said Paul Gallant, a tech policy analyst at TD Cowen. Keeping TikTok operational “would align with his broader philosophy on Big Tech.”
Competing Bids and Uncertain Future
Finding a viable buyer for TikTok remains a challenge. The last time the Trump administration attempted to negotiate a sale—led by former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin—it ultimately failed to reach a deal.
McCourt’s bid is one of the more prominent offers on the table. His proposal would exclude TikTok’s valuable algorithm, requiring a new recommendation system to be developed. Another bid, led by Jesse Tinsley, founder of payroll firm Employer.com, includes a group of investors such as the CEO of Roblox. Tinsley claims his group has secured over $30 billion in funding and is prepared to build a new algorithm for the platform.
Despite these offers, no formal discussions have taken place with ByteDance. “We have not heard back from TikTok or ByteDance,” Tinsley said. “This is far from a typical M&A process.”
With the deadline fast approaching and no clear resolution in sight, Vance’s ability to broker a deal could determine TikTok’s future in the U.S.—and set the tone for tech policy under the Trump administration.