Walmart Contemplates Joining TikTok Acquisition

According to insiders familiar with the ongoing discussions, Walmart is mulling over the possibility of joining forces with a group of investors to acquire the popular app TikTok. This consideration reportedly gained momentum when Amazon expressed interest in the deal.

Back in the year 2020, Walmart announced plans to collaborate with Microsoft in an attempt to secure TikTok. Acquiring the app could potentially allow Walmart access to a vast user base, which they could target with their advertising and ecommerce strategies.

Deadline Extension and Strategic Negotiations

As of an announcement pending from President Donald Trump, the April 5 deadline for TikTok to be either divested from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a U.S. ban, may be extended.

A source informed ABC News that a resolution is under consideration, which would involve China retaining control over TikTok's algorithm while leasing it to a U.S. entity, with them holding a minor investment stake. Whether this aligns with the bipartisan legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or encounter a restriction in the U.S. remains uncertain.

Potential Buyers and Stakeholder Interest

Numerous investors have shown an interest in purchasing TikTok, including tech titans such as Amazon, Oracle, and Applovin. Additionally, a late bid from Tim Stokely, founder of the adult content platform OnlyFans, is also in the mix.

Neither the White House nor Walmart have issued statements on the matter in response to recent inquiries.

Tariff Negotiations and Diplomatic Tensions

In comments made on Thursday, President Trump appeared to suggest that his stance on China could serve as leverage to secure an advantageous agreement regarding TikTok's sale.

He remarked about the power tariffs hold in international negotiations, while speculating that China might propose terms that include concessions in the ongoing trade discussions.

Even with presidential approval, acquiring TikTok also necessitates consent from Chinese authorities amidst currently strained U.S.-China relations, exacerbated by reciprocal tariffs on imports.