President Donald Trump has signed an executive order endorsing a proposed agreement that could transfer ownership of the popular social media platform TikTok to U.S. entities, a move he says will ensure the app’s continued availability in America while addressing longstanding national security concerns.
The future of TikTok in the United States has been in limbo since President Joe Biden signed legislation last year requiring ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, to divest its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. Since then, Trump’s administration has granted a series of extensions to allow negotiations over a potential sale to progress. The executive order, signed on Thursday, marks a significant step toward finalizing that process.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Trump emphasized the importance of safeguarding both U.S. users and national interests. He said the agreement would strike a balance between keeping TikTok operational and ensuring American oversight of its data practices. “I would make TikTok ‘100 percent MAGA’ if I could,” he remarked, before clarifying that every philosophy and policy “should be treated right.”
Trump also claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed to move forward with the deal, though the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately confirm his assertion. Analysts say China’s response could be pivotal in determining whether the transfer of ownership proceeds smoothly, as Beijing has previously signaled resistance to forced divestments of its tech companies.
Vice President JD Vance underscored the broader implications of the proposed deal, noting that it would give U.S. investors control over TikTok’s influential recommendation algorithm, which has been at the center of security debates. “This agreement will give American investors control of the app’s powerful algorithm,” Vance said, adding that more details would be shared in the coming weeks.
National security experts have long warned that TikTok’s Chinese ownership poses risks due to potential government access to user data and influence over online content. Lawmakers from both parties have pressed for stronger safeguards, while millions of American users, particularly younger demographics, have expressed concern that political wrangling could deprive them of one of their most-used social platforms.
Industry observers note that the TikTok deal could set a precedent for how the U.S. handles foreign-owned digital platforms in the future. If finalized, the agreement may reshape global discussions on data sovereignty, technology regulation, and the balance between open markets and national security priorities.
