The Trump TikTok Deal is once again making headlines after former President Donald Trump claimed that an agreement has been finalized to keep TikTok running in the U.S. According to Trump, the deal has China’s blessing — but official confirmation from Beijing has yet to come.
While Trump shared the news on Truth Social, Chinese authorities have remained noncommittal. This raises questions: Did Xi call Trump? Is the deal truly closed, or is it just one side celebrating too early?
Trump Declares TikTok Deal Completed
On October 10, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order claiming a new joint venture has been finalized to take control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. Trump stated that Oracle, Michael Dell, and Rupert Murdoch are part of a team of “sophisticated investors” backing the deal.
Trump asserted that he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who approved the arrangement. However, China’s silence so far leaves room for doubt.
What’s in the TikTok Deal?
Deal Structure and Key Players
The proposed deal would create a new U.S.-based company to oversee TikTok operations domestically. Oracle will manage U.S. data storage and security, while Silver Lake, Dell, and other firms will hold majority stakes.
ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, will retain less than 20% ownership — aligning with U.S. national security laws passed earlier. The valuation of the deal sits around $14 billion, according to JD Vance, who commented on the arrangement.
This appears to be Trump’s version of “Deal the Deal,” aligning financial, political, and tech interests in a highly sensitive international negotiation.
Who Will Control TikTok in the U.S.?
Board Oversight and Algorithm Management
Under the new agreement, six of seven board seats will be held by Americans. The board will oversee TikTok’s U.S. algorithm, data handling, and operations. The controversial algorithm — the secret sauce of TikTok’s success — will be “restrained” using only American user data.
To ease concerns, the U.S. government will designate “trusted security partners” to monitor data flows, software updates, and algorithm changes. This setup reflects lessons learned from the original Trump TikTok ban 2020 attempt.
China’s Response: Silence or Strategy?
No Clear Approval from Beijing
Despite Trump’s claims, Chinese authorities have not officially confirmed their support. They released a generic statement emphasizing “commercial negotiations based on market rules.”
Analysts suggest China TikTok policies may require an export license for algorithm technology to leave the country — a step that hasn’t been confirmed yet. Chinese Tik Tok regulations remain opaque, and China has previously blocked tech transfers they deem sensitive.
Is this Trump saying China is on board, or is China just avoiding a direct confrontation?
Why TikTok Was Under Pressure in the U.S.
National Security and Data Privacy Concerns
Since 2020, U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns over ByteDance’s connections with the Chinese government, prompting fears of espionage and user data misuse.
In 2024, Congress passed a law forcing ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. business or face a nationwide ban. While TikTok challenged the law as unconstitutional, the deadline loomed — and now the Trump TikTok US deadline meeting has become a turning point.
The TikTok ban issue has evolved from a tech debate into a broader geopolitical standoff between Trump and China. Read another article on Next-gen technology
What ByteDance and TikTok Have Said
ByteDance’s Reserved Statements
Ahead of Trump’s announcement, ByteDance released a short note thanking Trump and Xi for their efforts. However, the company has not confirmed any sale or approved deal.
TikTok, on the other hand, has stayed relatively silent. Users, especially influencers and small business owners, are anxious. One popular question trending: “Tik Tok says video published but it’s not there” — a possible glitch or internal shift during the transition.
Can the Deal Move Forward Without Beijing’s Approval?
The Algorithm Export Dilemma
China considers TikTok’s algorithm a protected tech asset, which means an export license would be required to finalize the transfer to U.S. partners.
Without Beijing’s formal blessing, the Trump TikTok Deal may only be half-complete. While the U.S. side is moving forward, Chinese laws must still be navigated.
This adds a layer of uncertainty. “Is TikTok a Chinese company?” remains a hot-button question, especially if the core algorithm remains under Chinese control.
What This Means for TikTok’s U.S. Users
Uncertain Future for Creators
The TikTok creator economy is massive. Over 170 million U.S. users rely on the platform — many of them full-time content creators, influencers, or educators.
If TikTok’s algorithm changes, the experience could shift drastically. As some users report “Tik Tok not working” or delayed uploads, concerns are rising. Will the new U.S. version deliver the same engagement?
And if the deal fails to secure Chinese approval, “What time will TikTok be banned?” could once again trend nationwide.
Is TikTok Really a Security Threat?
Perspectives Vary
The U.S. government believes TikTok poses a risk because of its ties to the Chinese Communist Party. But TikTok has long denied any wrongdoing and insists it stores U.S. data separately.
In fact, TikTok already hosts its American data on Oracle servers under a 2022 agreement. Still, critics argue that “trusted partners” aren’t enough, especially with Beijing having final say on exports.
While some ask “Why is TikTok banned in China?”, others argue that if it’s not even allowed in its home country, it shouldn’t be trusted abroad either.
Final Thoughts
The Trump TikTok Deal may be officially announced, but its full execution still hinges on critical approvals from Beijing—especially around TikTok’s algorithm, which is considered a sensitive export. As Trump–China negotiations remain fragile, the platform’s future in the U.S. is far from certain.
With the Chinese government yet to publicly confirm the agreement, users and analysts alike are questioning whether TikTok will be discontinued in the U.S., if a major tech firm like Meta acquired it, or when the TikTok shutdown deadline might hit.
For now, all eyes are on ByteDance, the Chinese-based parent company, and what their next move will be.
FAQs
What Did the U.S. Supreme Court Rule About TikTok?
The U.S. Supreme Court determined that TikTok is operated by a company under the influence of a foreign adversary, raising concerns over its ability to access and misuse the private data of American users. The ruling supported national security arguments that the platform could be exploited by the Chinese government.
Who Is Representing TikTok in Court?
TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, are being defended by attorney Noel Francisco, who argued that TikTok’s American division is independently managed and has the power to shut down operations in the U.S. if needed. This counters the idea that it’s entirely controlled by Beijing authorities.
How Many Justices Supported the TikTok Ban?
All nine justices voted in favor of the legislation enabling a possible ban on TikTok, though some expressed concern over the rushed decision timeline. The ruling reflects the Court’s united stance on addressing digital threats linked to foreign influence.
Should Users Delete TikTok if It’s Getting Banned?
Even if TikTok gets restricted, users are not legally required to delete the app. However, those who are concerned about data privacy or surveillance might choose to uninstall it voluntarily, especially while the platform’s future
