The looming deadline for TikTok’s sale in the United States has sparked a frenzy among potential buyers, with Amazon making a last-minute bid to acquire the platform. The Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act mandates ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a ban, set to take effect on April 5. President Trump extended the enforcement window earlier this year, but as the deadline approaches, uncertainty surrounds whether ByteDance will comply with the law or resist selling. Amazon’s bid, reportedly submitted to Vice President J.D. Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, has drawn skepticism from analysts and other bidders, who question its seriousness and feasibility.

Amazon joins a crowded field of contenders vying for TikTok’s U.S. operations, with Oracle, Blackstone, and Walmart among the prominent names expressing interest. Oracle previously secured a 12.5% stake in TikTok Global as its cloud technology provider, while Walmart sees potential in leveraging TikTok’s influence on consumer behavior for e-commerce expansion. Individual investors like Kevin O’Leary and Jesse Tinsley have also entered the fray, with Tinsley leading an American investor consortium offering $30 billion in cash. However, ByteDance has remained firm in its stance against selling TikTok, leaving the future of negotiations uncertain.

The complexity of acquiring TikTok extends beyond financial considerations. Any buyer would face significant regulatory hurdles, particularly under the Biden administration’s antitrust scrutiny. Additionally, Chinese government restrictions might prevent the transfer of critical components like TikTok’s recommendation engine, limiting the value of the acquisition. These challenges have deterred some potential buyers from advancing their bids and raised questions about whether a deal can be finalized before the ban deadline.

Despite these obstacles, TikTok’s estimated valuation of $60 billion continues to attract interest from diverse parties. Retail giants like Amazon aim to capitalize on its massive user base and cultural influence, while tech companies like Microsoft and Rumble see opportunities for integration with existing platforms. As negotiations intensify, Trump’s administration holds the power to extend deadlines or approve unconventional deals involving multiple investors. The uncertainty surrounding ByteDance’s willingness to sell and political dynamics further complicates this high-stakes scenario.