Twitter reportedly in talks with TikTok for a potential combination

Microsoft has so far been the only company to publicly announce that it is holding discussions to purchase the U.S. operations of TikTok. However, Twitter could add to the list of companies pursuing the Chinese music-video sharing app.

The Wall Street Journal reported (via Business Insider) that Twitter has held initial discussions on a potential "combination" with TikTok. The paper, citing sources privy to the matter, said the deal would involve TikTok's operations in the U.S., although it's not clear whether it comes in the form of an acquisition and how much money is involved.

Both TikTok and Twitter remain silent on the report. The latest turn of events comes after President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order banning TikTok's parent company, ByteDance (along with Tencent Holdings), from making transactions in the U.S. beginning September 20. The U.S. government is concerned that apps developed by Chinese companies pose a threat to the country's national security, foreign policy, and economy. President Trump wants ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. company if it wants the platform to continue operating in the country. Surprised by Trump's order, TikTok threatened to take legal actions.