If you thought the TikTok ban drama was over, think again. In a recent Fox News interview, Donald Trump claimed he has a group of “very wealthy people” ready to buy TikTok’s U.S. operations.
With a looming September 17th deadline and Beijing still holding the algorithm card, this isn’t just political theatre; it’s a real shift in the social media landscape.
If you’re a creator or brand relying on TikTok traffic, the next few weeks could reshape your content strategy. Here’s everything you need to know.
By the way, if you want to stay connected and know everything about social commerce and never miss a beat, join Logie today! Click here
What Sparked the Urgency?
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA) was signed into law in 2024, giving ByteDance an ultimatum: sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a ban.
Now in office again, Trump has already extended the deadline three times. The current cutoff? September 17, 2025.
This extension aimed to allow room for a legitimate sale, and now Trump is claiming he has a qualified group of American investors who could take over the U.S. version of TikTok.
But here’s the twist: China still needs to approve the deal, especially if it involves TikTok’s core recommendation algorithm.
Who Might Be Buying?
While Trump hasn’t revealed names yet, speculation is swirling. Reports point to big private equity names like Andreessen Horowitz, Blackstone, and KKR. Former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and even the creator, Mr Beast, have been floated as interested parties.
Meanwhile, Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty has publicly committed $20 billion to acquire TikTok U.S. without the algorithm. This approach avoids export complications and raises concerns about content quality and continuity.
Why the Algorithm Matters
TikTok’s addictive power lies in its algorithm, which has been a Chinese-protected technology under strict export rules since 2020.
If the algorithm isn’t included in the sale, creators could experience a drop in reach, lower engagement, and a ripple effect on monetisation.
A sale without the algorithm is like buying a Ferrari without the engine. It might look the same, but it won’t perform like the TikTok you know.
What This Means for Creators
Platform Stability: A clean sale with algorithm access means less disruption. A fragmented version might cause users and creators to migrate to Reels, Shorts, or Pinterest.
Reach & Revenue: Expect algorithm changes to impact discovery and earnings if the sale excludes core tech.
E-commerce & Tools: Tools like TikTok Shop and ad systems may evolve or break depending on the buyer.
Logie creators: now is the time to diversify. Upload your content across platforms, link your product catalogues with Logie tools, and watch for early signs of engagement shifts.
How to Prepare Now
Audit Your Content: Which videos perform best across platforms? Use Logie’s analytics to compare.
Build Multi-Platform Funnels: Use our cross-posting tools to keep your affiliate links and tracking consistent.
Watch the Dates: September 17 is closer than you think. Monitor Logie’s creator briefings for real-time updates.
Closing Thoughts
The future of TikTok in the U.S. is still up in the air, but what’s clear is that creators can’t afford to wait and see.
Whether a sale happens or not, diversifying your reach and preparing for disruption is your smartest move.
Will you be ready when the algorithm shifts? Or will you be scrambling after the dust settles?
