Trump clarifies his stance on TikTok, stating it can stay in the U.S. if it transitions to American ownership. Here’s what you should know!
In a message aimed at TikTok’s Chinese parent company, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on Fox News Sunday that President Donald Trump, while supportive of the app's popularity and reach, insists it must be brought under U.S. ownership to continue operating within the country.
“President Trump really likes TikTok,” Lutnick said. “He sees it as a valuable tool to engage with young Americans. But he’s absolutely clear—it cannot remain under Chinese control.”
From Likes to Legal Lines
With roughly 170 million American users, TikTok is an integral part of the youth culture in the U.S. It is one of the most popular social media apps that serves as both an entertainment outlet and a communication tool. Trump, now in his second term as president, has openly acknowledged his cultural impact.
Yet, despite the president’s favorable view of TikTok’s utility, national security remains the administration’s top concern. Lutnick emphasized that the current ownership by ByteDance—a China-based company—poses risks that the U.S. government is no longer willing to tolerate.
“You cannot have a Chinese-owned company operating an app that sits on 170 million American phones,” said Lutnick. “It’s a national security issue. We need to control the technology, the algorithms, and the data.”
The Countdown to Divestment
Under a 2024 law passed during Trump’s current presidency, ByteDance has been ordered to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a potential nationwide ban. Originally, the deadline was set for January 19, 2025, but Trump granted three extensions. The final cutoff is now September 17, 2025.
A proposed deal earlier this year aimed to transfer TikTok’s U.S. assets to a new American-controlled company, with majority ownership by U.S. investors. ByteDance would be allowed to hold a minority stake, provided it relinquishes control over all core technologies and algorithms.
But the deal has stalled—primarily due to mounting tensions between Washington and Beijing, especially after Trump’s renewed tariffs on Chinese imports. Since any divestment involving ByteDance requires approval from the Chinese government, the outcome remains uncertain.
What’s at Stake?
The fate of TikTok in the United States now hinges on a rapidly closing window. If ByteDance fails to secure a U.S.-approved ownership structure and obtain China’s cooperation, the app could be forced offline across American markets.
“If China doesn’t approve it, TikTok faces a shutdown in the U.S.,” Lutnick warned.
Still, the administration remains open to a resolution—provided control is fully American.
“President Trump wants TikTok to stay,” Lutnick reiterated. “But it has to be American-owned, run on American tech, and guided by American rules. That’s the condition.”
As the September deadline looms, it will be interesting to watch ByteDance’s next move and the deal that could decide the future of one of the world’s most influential social platforms in the U.S.
