President Donald Trump says a deal has been reached with China over TikTok, with only final details left to lock in. According to Trump, he will speak directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to seal the agreement.
This move marks a turning point in the long-running battle over TikTok’s future in the United States. At the heart of the issue has always been the app’s most valuable asset—its recommendation algorithm—and now, after months of uncertainty, a path forward seems to be in place.
NOW – Trump: “We have a deal on TikTok. I’ve reached a deal with China.” pic.twitter.com/GPlS4UJuQZ
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) September 16, 2025
Why the Tiktok Algorithm Became the Flashpoint
TikTok’s success comes down to its algorithm, the technology that drives the For You page. This is what keeps users hooked and what makes TikTok such a powerful platform.
For years, U.S. officials worried that the algorithm, owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance in China, could be used to push certain narratives or collect sensitive data on American users. China, however, has been unwilling to give up one of its most prized technologies. That’s why this fight has never just been about a social media app—it’s been about national security, intellectual property, and global power.
What the TikTok Deal Includes
While we await details, the agreement Trump is expected to announce offers a compromise. Rather than stripping ByteDance of ownership altogether, the deal would allow the algorithm to be licensed to a U.S.-based entity. That means the technology would still belong to ByteDance, but it would operate under new safeguards inside the United States.
American officials would have oversight of U.S. user data, and a third party could be put in place to manage the most sensitive parts of the system. This setup would give the U.S. more control over how TikTok runs here, while still letting China hold on to its intellectual property. (MORE NEWS: AI Is Taking Entry-Level Jobs and Shaking Up the Workforce)
Why It’s Happening Now
There’s urgency behind the timing. U.S. law set a deadline requiring TikTok to divest from Chinese control or face a potential ban. That deadline is fast approaching, and without an agreement, TikTok could vanish from American app stores.
By announcing the deal now, Trump is signaling that the standoff is over. The planned phone call with Xi Jinping on Friday is expected to finalize the details and remove any last roadblocks. Both leaders want to avoid escalation, but both also want to show they are defending their nations’ interests.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent weighed in:
Under President Trump, America is back.
Talks with China are respectful and results-driven. @POTUS was ready to let TikTok go dark and made clear that we will never trade away national security. Thanks to his tough negotiating, a framework for a deal is in place, and China is… pic.twitter.com/3QdD4iro5U
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) September 16, 2025
Questions That Still Remain
Even with a deal on the table, some big questions linger. Will American oversight of the algorithm be strong enough to satisfy critics? How much transparency will be built into the system so users can trust it? And will Congress sign off on the final arrangement, or push for even tougher conditions?
On the Chinese side, export-control rules could also complicate how the licensing arrangement is structured. If Beijing insists on tighter restrictions, parts of the deal could face delays.
Why This Agreement Matters Beyond TikTok
If the deal is finalized Friday, it won’t just impact TikTok. It will set the stage for how countries around the world handle foreign-owned apps and technologies. Nations everywhere are wrestling with the same issues: data security, content influence, and who ultimately controls the technology behind powerful platforms.
This agreement could become the blueprint for managing those challenges. It also feeds into broader U.S.-China relations, which remain strained over tariffs, trade restrictions, and technology policy. A successful deal here could cool tensions and open the door to cooperation in other areas.
What Happens Next
After the call between Trump and Xi, the next step will be writing the legal framework. That means spelling out who has authority over data, how licensing will work, and what safeguards will protect U.S. users. (MORE NEWS: AI Stethoscope Spots Deadly Heart Conditions 15 Seconds)
If all goes as planned, TikTok’s millions of American users will be able to keep scrolling without interruption. But if the deal hits a snag, the threat of restrictions or even a ban still hangs in the balance.
The Bigger Picture
This announcement highlights how much bigger the TikTok story has become. It’s not just about a social media app anymore—it’s about technology, influence, and the balance of power between the world’s two largest economies.
By stepping in and announcing a deal, Trump is moving the debate from endless speculation to concrete action. Friday’s call with Xi will be the real test, but for now, TikTok looks closer than ever to having its future in the U.S. secured.
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