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TikTok’s future in the United States may not be as uncertain as it looked last week. President Donald Trump has hinted at a last-minute deal that could let the app continue to operate. His message came after trade talks between US and Chinese officials in Madrid, just days before the September 17 deadline for a possible ban.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the talks “went VERY WELL” and that a deal had been reached about a “certain company” that young people wanted to save. He did not name TikTok, but the timing left little doubt. He also said he will hold a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping this Friday.
The US has demanded that TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, sell its US operations to an American company. Officials argue that majority US ownership is needed to address data safety and national security risks. The ban deadline was set to pressure ByteDance to act.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said negotiators have agreed on a framework for a TikTok deal, but details are still missing. It is unclear which company might buy TikTok’s US business or how the structure will look.
China, on the other hand, has avoided clear statements. Officials there have reiterated their long-held stance that any sale must comply with Chinese laws. Beijing has also pushed back against what it sees as political pressure from Washington.
Experts say China fears that if it lets TikTok go, more Chinese companies may face similar forced sales in the West. For the US, banning TikTok carries risks too, as the app has millions of young users and creators who depend on it.
Trade talks between the two countries also highlighted larger issues, such as tariffs and technology rules. These talks have been tense for months, but Trump suggested that this latest round ‘went very well.’
The final decision now hangs in balance for the next few days. If a deal is confirmed, TikTok could remain in the US under new ownership rules. If talks fail, the app could still face a ban after September 17. The coming call between Trump and Xi may be the key moment.
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