Trump Says TikTok U.S. Deal Still Possible as Talks Continue

In a recent statement that stirred headlines once again, former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that a potential deal to spin off TikTok’s U.S. assets is still on the table. This development comes amid ongoing political and economic friction between the United States and China.

TikTok’s Future in the U.S. Still Hangs in the Balance

During a press appearance at the White House, Trump stated that the deal is not off the table and involves “very good people” and “very rich companies.” However, he also hinted that the agreement is contingent upon broader geopolitical developments, especially those involving China.

This comes at a time when concerns over data security and Chinese surveillance have put TikTok, the video-sharing platform owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, under the microscope. The U.S. has previously expressed intentions to ban the app unless its American operations are separated from Chinese ownership.

China Responds: No Spinoff Without Government Approval

On the other side, China is holding firm. The Chinese Commerce Ministry made it clear that any transfer of TikTok’s key technologies, especially its algorithm, would require government approval under existing technology export laws. The core of TikTok’s success—its recommendation engine—is classified under China’s 2020 export control regulations.

According to Chinese officials, any forced sale or divestment that doesn’t align with market economy principles or violates enterprise rights will be met with strong opposition. They argue that such actions represent political interference rather than fair market competition.

“We oppose the U.S. side’s generalization of the concept of national security, and interference in the normal economic and trade cooperation of enterprises,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

Tariffs, Trade Wars, and TikTok

What complicates the situation further is the wider trade tension between the two economic giants. After the U.S. imposed new tariffs on Chinese imports earlier this year, China reportedly paused the approval process for the TikTok deal. In response, Trump hinted that tariff reductions might be on the table if China approves the divestiture of TikTok from ByteDance.

This maneuver appears to be a strategic move aimed at using TikTok as a bargaining chip in broader economic negotiations.

For a deeper look at this development, read the full reports on Reuters, AP News, and Financial Times.