Contacts between the two companies were suspended until Trump's decision regarding U.S. social network activity • Trump: "As far as ticketing is concerned, we ban it"
Photo: AFP
Surrendered to Trump's pressure? Microsoft freezes negotiations with Chinese ByteDance, the owner of Tiktok, pending a White House decision on its U.S. operations. In China.
Talks between the software giant and the social network have progressed positively, and it seems that the activities of the Chinese social network will sell out. Trump addressed the issue in a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force 1 and said that "as far as Tiktok is concerned, we are banning it in the US." According to reports, this statement is the reason for the cessation of negotiations between the companies.
According to reports, the president has considered several options, including applying a presidential decree banning the app from appearing in various app stores. The administration is also considering the possibility of adding Tiktok to a list that would prevent the company from purchasing American products or services without obtaining special approval. "A lot of things are happening, so we'll see what happens," Trump added, "We're looking at some alternatives."
It is not clear at what stage Microsoft's contacts are, but it is clear that the change of ownership of the company is critical for Washington, while from Tiktok's point of view, continued activity in the American market is a priority.
