Donald Trump has indicated that a deal regarding TikTok‘s future in the United States has been approved by China, though specifics remain undisclosed. The former president announced the advancement via his Truth Social platform thursday, following a phone call wiht Chinese President Xi Jinping. The potential resolution comes as a looming ban on the popular social media app, triggered by U.S. national security concerns, faces repeated delays.
The future of TikTok in the U.S. has been in limbo for years, with successive administrations voicing fears that its parent company, Beijing-based ByteDance, could share American user data with the Chinese government. A new law passed earlier this year mandated ByteDance to divest its U.S. holdings or face a nationwide ban.Trump, who previously credited TikTok with aiding his 2024 campaign outreach to younger voters, has granted the app three extensions to comply with the law.
During his call with Xi, Trump stated he agreed to a face-to-face meeting at the Asia-pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea in early 2026, and that Xi accepted an invitation to visit the United States “at an appropriate time.” “The call was a very good one, we will be speaking again by phone, appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
U.S. officials have consistently expressed concerns about TikTok’s potential national security risks, alleging ByteDance might be compelled to share user data with China. TikTok has repeatedly denied these claims. Trump has previously indicated a desire to see the app continue operating in the U.S.
Details of the agreement, including whether it involves a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations or other concessions, were not promptly available. USA TODAY has reported that Trump has said the U.S. will soon announce TikTok’s American buyer.
Contributing: Greta Cross of USA TODAY
