Trump Confirms TikTok Deal in Call with Xi
President Donald Trump announced Friday that he and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping approved a deal to secure TikTok’s future in the United States. The agreement is expected to transfer TikTok’s U.S. operations to a group of American investors, allowing the platform to remain available for millions of users.
The two leaders spoke by phone, with Trump describing the conversation as “productive.” He confirmed plans to meet Xi at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea next month and later travel to China in early 2026.
Terms of the Agreement
According to reports, the deal will:
- Transfer TikTok’s U.S. business to a consortium of American firms, potentially including Oracle.
- Allow TikTok to continue operating with algorithm technology licensed from ByteDance, its parent company.
- Extend the timeline for compliance after Trump delayed a ban multiple times this year, now pushing the deadline to December 2025.
China’s state news agency reiterated that negotiations must follow market rules and comply with Chinese law, while urging Washington to provide a fair business environment for Chinese companies in the U.S.
Lawmakers Express Concern
While Trump sees TikTok as a valuable platform, even noting its importance to his 2024 campaign, some lawmakers remain wary.
Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), who chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, warned that reliance on ByteDance’s algorithm could leave the door open to CCP influence.
The U.S. Justice Department previously raised national security concerns about TikTok’s access to American user data, calling the threat “immense.”
Broader U.S.–China Relations
The TikTok agreement comes amid a broader series of talks between Washington and Beijing. Recent discussions have covered:
- China’s export of rare earth minerals, where limited export permits were granted to U.S. firms.
- Tariffs, with the U.S. already imposing 20% duties on certain Chinese goods linked to fentanyl trafficking.
- Disputes over agricultural trade and advanced technology restrictions, which remain unresolved.
Trump said the deal showed “tremendous value” for the U.S. and praised American investors involved, calling them “among the greatest in the world.”
Next Steps
Trump will meet Xi at the APEC Summit in South Korea at the end of October, before a planned trip to China in early 2026. Xi is also expected to travel to the United States at what Trump described as “an appropriate time.”
The call between Trump and Xi was their second this year, signaling ongoing high-level dialogue despite sharp differences on trade, technology, and security.
Related Coverage
- Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
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