The Trump administration, Oracle, and a group of investors are accelerating plans to gain control of TikTok’s global operations. Oracle, TikTok’s U.S. cloud provider since 2022, has taken the lead in discussions, with Microsoft reportedly reconsidering its role as a potential investor. The effort arises from ongoing concerns over national security and a push to sever TikTok’s ties to its China-based parent company, ByteDance.

Last Friday, Oracle executives met with White House officials to discuss the deal’s structure, NPR reports. Another round of talks is set for next week. Under the proposed arrangement, ByteDance would hold a minority stake in TikTok while Oracle would oversee critical functions, including the app’s algorithm, data collection, and software operations. This framework mirrors the failed 2020 plan in which Oracle and Walmart aimed to acquire 20% of TikTok Global, a deal that collapsed following Trump’s electoral defeat.

The stakes for the app’s future remain high. ByteDance reportedly values TikTok at more than $200 billion, according to White House negotiators. Oracle intends to collaborate with external investors to secure a minority stake. Walmart, notably absent from this round of talks, appears deterred by TikTok’s soaring valuation.

TikTok’s past ban under the Biden administration intensified scrutiny over its security risks. Though Oracle resumed hosting TikTok’s U.S. infrastructure, Apple and Google have yet to reinstate the app in their stores. Meanwhile, Microsoft, reflecting on its earlier bid, described the negotiations as “the strangest thing” CEO Satya Nadella had ever worked on.

This latest push comes amid heightened concerns over data security and escalating geopolitical tensions. As Oracle leads efforts to assert control, Microsoft’s potential reentry could add a new dynamic to the negotiations. With TikTok’s growing role in the digital economy, this takeover attempt will likely reignite debates about technology, privacy, and national security.