Trump Hints at TikTok Deal as He Announces Call with Xi Jinping
The future of TikTok in the United States has once again become a topic of discussion, this time regarding a potential deal with China. Posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump suggested that talks between Washington and Beijing are progressing positively, and hinted that any breakthrough over TikTok’s operations in the US could be part of a wider trade deal.
According to Trump, US and Chinese officials recently held trade talks in Madrid, Spain, where the atmosphere was described as “very good”. He further revealed that he is preparing for direct talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss next steps, indicating that the future of the popular short-video app could be decided at the highest levels of diplomacy.
This latest development has renewed speculation over whether TikTok, owned by Beijing-based company Bytedance, will be allowed to continue operating in the United States amid growing concerns over data security, privacy and foreign influence.
The Long Battle Over TikTok in the United States
TikTok has faced intense scrutiny in the US for several years, where lawmakers and regulators are concerned about the app’s data collection practices and its potential ties to the Chinese government. Critics argue that Beijing could use TikTok to access sensitive personal data of US citizens or even spread disinformation to influence public opinion.
In 2020, Trump himself led the push to ban TikTok or sell it to a US company. At the time, Microsoft and Oracle were among the potential buyers, but no full deal was ever completed.
Since then, the Biden administration has also kept up the pressure on TikTok, introducing legislation and executive orders to address national security concerns. Several states and federal agencies have banned the app from government devices, citing fears of data misuse.
Now, Trump’s latest comments suggest the issue is far from settled – but instead of threatening a ban, the former president is signalling a compromise.
Trump’s Message and What It Means
On Truth Social, Trump wrote that the talks between US and Chinese officials in Madrid “went very well” and that he was “very much looking forward” to his upcoming talks with Xi Jinping. Although he did not announce any concrete agreement, his tone indicated optimism and the possibility of a deal that could ease tensions over TikTok.
For several months, US lawmakers have been debating whether to force ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations to an American company. Some members of Congress have even introduced bills that could ban TikTok altogether if ownership is not changed. But a negotiated agreement between Washington and Beijing could provide a middle ground – where TikTok could continue to operate in the US under strict regulations and oversight.
Such a move could be seen as beneficial to both sides: China would avoid losing one of its most successful global tech exports, while the US could claim that security concerns have been addressed.
The Role of Xi Jinping in the Talks
Trump’s announcement of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping underscores the importance of the issue. It’s unusual for the future of a single app to be discussed at the presidential level, but TikTok’s popularity and political sensitivity make it a special case.
For Beijing, TikTok is a symbol of Chinese innovation and a rare example of a Chinese tech company achieving mainstream success in Western markets. For Washington, it’s a test of how the US deals with tech competition and national security risks in an era of growing rivalry with China.
So, the outcome of the talks between Trump and Xi could set a precedent not just for TikTok, but also for other Chinese tech companies facing sanctions in the US.
TikTok’s Importance to Americans
One of the biggest challenges for US policymakers is TikTok’s immense popularity among Americans, especially the younger generation. The app has more than 170 million users in the United States alone, making it one of the most used social media platforms in the country.
Its role in shaping online culture, influencing music, fashion and even politics has made it an integral part of digital life. Banning TikTok altogether could trigger a fierce backlash among its vast user base, many of whom consider the app a platform for creativity and expression.
This is why Trump’s signal of compromise rather than a ban could be politically significant. It shows that Washington leaders are aware of the risks of alienating voters by removing an app used daily by millions of people.
Economic and Trade Dimensions
Beyond security, TikTok is also entangled in the broader US-China trade relationship. The app represents billions of dollars in ad revenue and business partnerships. Influencers and small businesses in the US rely on TikTok for marketing and income, and a disruption to the platform could impact the livelihoods of thousands.
From China’s perspective, TikTok is one of its most successful global tech exports. Any forced sale or ban would be seen as a direct attack on Chinese economic interests. This is why trade talks could be the key to a solution. By linking TikTok’s fate to larger trade deals, both sides could use it as a bargaining chip.
Trump’s mention of the talks in Madrid indicates that trade officials are already looking at TikTok as part of a package that could address tariffs, market access, and investment flows.
Political Calculations in Washington
The issue is also politically significant in the United States. Trump, who remains a central figure in the Republican Party, has used TikTok as a talking point in his criticism of existing policies. His new deal may be aimed at demonstrating his ability to make tough but pragmatic compromises with China that also resonate with his supporters.
At the same time, Democrats in Congress and the Biden administration will be under pressure to clarify their stance. If Trump appears to make progress on TikTok, it could shift public opinion and force current leaders to take immediate action to avoid being politically defeated.
What Happens Next?
As Trump prepares for his call with Xi Jinping, speculation is mounting over what kind of arrangement could emerge. Possible scenarios include:
- Stricter regulations: TikTok could be allowed to continue operating in the US under stronger oversight, such as mandatory data storage within the country.
- Partial sale: ByteDance might agree to sell part of TikTok’s US operations to an American partner while retaining overall ownership.
- Joint governance: A new framework could be created where both American and Chinese regulators oversee TikTok’s activities.
- Trade-off: TikTok’s operations could be linked to concessions in other areas of trade, such as tariffs or technology exports.
Whatever the outcome, the talks will be closely watched not just by policymakers but also by millions of TikTok users in the US and around the world.
A Turning Point for Tech and Trade
Trump’s hint at a TikTok deal is more than just news about a popular app. It represents a turning point in the broader US-China relationship, where technology, security, trade, and politics are all intertwining.
If a deal is reached, it could open the door to more practical solutions in the tech rivalry between the two powers. But if the talks fail, an eventual ban or forced sale would likely be imminent, further driving the wedge between Washington and Beijing.
For now, the world awaits the outcome of Trump and Xi Jinping’s talks—a conversation that could determine the future of one of the most influential apps of this decade.
TikTok at the Crossroads of Diplomacy
TikTok is no longer just a social media app; it has become the center of a geopolitical dispute. With Donald Trump signaling progress and preparing to negotiate directly with Xi Jinping, the stakes are more important than ever. The outcome of these negotiations will shape not just TikTok’s future in the US, but the broader dynamics of US-China relations in the digital age.
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