Trump strikes deal with China to avoid TikTok ban, wants company to remain under US use

US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement with China that could allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States, part of a deal to avert a previously planned ban. Trump said he plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping to confirm the details of the agreement.

Under the agreement, TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, would need to divest ownership or reduce its Chinese stake—reportedly to less than 20% The executive order that would force ByteDance to do so has been extended until December 16, 2025.

Trump explained the urgency by mentioning parents and young users who want TikTok to stay. He said he’s received calls from parents worried that if the app is banned, they’ll be “in big trouble with their kids.” He added, “I hate to see value like that thrown out the window.”

The announcement drew reactions from both China and legal experts. China’s People’s Daily welcoming the deal as “cooperation for mutual benefit,” while reaffirming that China will protect the interests of its enterprises.

Expert Yan Liang of Willamette University raised questions about what China is getting in return for reducing ownership.

TikTok has over 170 million users in the US. Fears over its Chinese ownership have long pushed US lawmakers to act, citing concerns about privacy, propaganda, and foreign influence. The legislation requiring ByteDance to divest was passed by Congress with bipartisan support.