Amazon has submitted a last-minute bid to acquire TikTok, just days before the video platform faces a U.S. deadline to cut ties with its Chinese parent company or risk a nationwide ban. The bid, first reported by The New York Times, was delivered via an offer letter addressed to Senator JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Despite the high-profile nature of Amazon’s offer, parties close to the negotiations reportedly do not consider the bid serious. Amazon declined to comment, and TikTok has not responded to inquiries.
The move reflects growing urgency in Washington as the April 5 deadline approaches. President Trump is expected to meet with top White House officials on Wednesday to discuss the future of the app. Last year, Congress passed a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese ownership to divest its U.S. operations. The enforcement of that law was delayed until this week, even after being unanimously upheld by the Supreme Court.
Several potential deals are circulating. Andreessen Horowitz is reportedly in talks to join an Oracle-led bid, according to Financial Times. Reuters previously reported that Blackstone is exploring a role in a separate bid involving TikTok’s current non-Chinese shareholders, including Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic.
Amazon’s interest in TikTok reflects both strategic alignment and past friction. TikTok has become a key destination for retail-driven content, where influencers frequently promote Amazon products through affiliate links. TikTok also operates its own shopping platform, TikTok Shop, which competes with Amazon in some areas. While Amazon once tried to replicate the TikTok format with an in-app feature called Inspire, the effort failed to gain traction and was eventually pulled.
If Amazon were to acquire TikTok, it would be the most prominent American company to attempt such a move, following past interest from Microsoft and Walmart in 2020. Other bidders have included billionaire Frank McCourt and Employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley.
As of now, it remains unclear whether any deal, including Amazon’s, would meet the legal requirements to prevent a ban. The situation remains fluid, and all eyes are on Washington ahead of the looming Saturday deadline.
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