In a surprising move, Amazon has submitted a last-minute bid to acquire TikTok, just days before a U.S. deadline requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations or face a potential ban. The offer was made in a letter to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. However, key negotiators reportedly view Amazon's bid skeptically, and no financial details have been disclosed. ​

The urgency stems from an executive order mandating ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. business by April 5 or risk a nationwide ban due to national security concerns. President Trump has extended the deadline from the original January 19 date. Other potential buyers include Oracle, Walmart, and private equity firms like Blackstone. ​

Amazon's unexpected bid adds complexity to the already intricate negotiations. The situation is further complicated by the need for Chinese government approval, which remains uncertain. As the April 5 deadline approaches, the future of TikTok's U.S. operations hangs in the balance, with multiple parties vying for control amid geopolitical and regulatory challenges.