The tech-focused outlet The Information reported Thursday that Oracle is a “leading contender” to run TikTok, with ByteDance preferring it for the role. The details about the White House’s approach and the seriousness with which White House officials are considering the proposal have not previously been reported.

While it is not unusual for Washington to meddle in the private dealings of publicly traded companies for strategic reasons, the White House’s direct oversight of the bidding process is extraordinary,

Oracle’s (NYSE:ORCL) discussions with the White House on a possible deal to take over TikTok are intensifying, Politico reported Sunday, citing three people familiar familiar with the talks. However,