TikTok's Future in the U.S. Secured Under Trump's New Plan

Fri Oct 10 2025 19:32:45 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump signs an executive order allowing TikTok to operate in the U.S. under a new joint venture amid ongoing national security concerns. Key U.S. investors including Oracle and Dell are set to control the app's future.

President Trump has signed an executive order permitting TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. under the condition that it forms a new joint venture with American investors. The deal could significantly alter the platform's control and content delivery, especially amid ongoing concerns of Chinese interference. This order comes after prior legislation aimed at enforcing a sale amid national security fears. Young users express support for the move, indicating an evolving digital landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order enabling TikTok to remain operational in the United States, while aligning with national security necessities outlined by current law.

Last year, President Joe Biden enacted legislation mandating China’s ByteDance to divest TikTok’s assets to an American entity by early this year to avoid a nationwide ban. However, under Trump's administration, orders were signed allowing TikTok to stay active in the U.S. while negotiations for the sale transpired.

Details surrounding the prospective deal remain murky; however, Trump announced that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has approved it. Modifications to TikTok could substantially alter how American youth engage with information online.

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond promptly to inquiries confirming China's endorsement of the proposed framework deal.

According to a Pew Research Center report, around 43% of American adults aged 18-29 rely on TikTok for news, outpacing platforms like YouTube and Facebook.

Control of the New TikTok Venture

The executive order will see TikTok transitioned into a new U.S. joint enterprise controlled by a coalition of American investors, including Oracle and investment firm Silver Lake Partners. Current details suggest the investors may hold an approximate 80% stake, while ByteDance would retain 20% or less.

Political connections raise concerns about influence on the platform, particularly with figures like Oracle's Larry Ellison heavily invested. Trump emphasized an emphasis on security measures, claiming this restructuring would mitigate any risks associated with Chinese oversight.

The proprietary algorithm, deemed critical to TikTok’s functionality, will also be adapted for U.S. audiences under specific guidance, indicating a significant shift in operational management of the app.

The U.S. version of TikTok could potentially diverge from the existing international model, with Musk's takeover of Twitter serving as a cautionary tale of culture clash as user experiences evolve.

China's Involvement

While originally opposed to the divestment, it appears China has softened its stance possibly in response to U.S. trade negotiations. Some analysts surmise that concessions were made in exchange for the TikTok deal, framing it as part of a broader dialogue on U.S.-China relations.

As the situation unfolds, the outcome could dictate a new era for TikTok’s operational dynamics, affecting young users and the broader social media landscape.