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 September 15, 2025

Trump and Xi to meet to finalize framework for TikTok's operation in America

TikTok dodged a shutdown bullet. The popular app, facing a ban over national security fears, won a reprieve through a U.S.-China deal. But don’t pop the champagne yet—details are still murky.

Fox Business reported that the U.S. and China hammered out a framework to keep TikTok running under American-controlled ownership. This deal, born from tense trade talks, aims to address concerns about Beijing’s access to user data. It’s a pragmatic step, not a progressive love fest.

Last year, Congress passed a law, signed by then-President Joe Biden, banning TikTok and similar apps owned by foreign adversaries. The law, which survived a Supreme Court challenge, kicked in on Jan. 19, 2025. It targeted TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, over fears of Chinese government influence.

The ban’s enforcement was delayed multiple times. President Donald Trump issued a 75-day delay upon taking office, followed by another in April when tariff disputes stalled progress. A final 90-day extension in June nearly expired this week.

Without action, TikTok faced a shutdown as early as Wednesday. ByteDance, based in China, initially refused to sell the platform. National security hawks warned of data harvesting and propaganda risks.

“We are not willing to sacrifice national security for a social media app,” the treasury secretary declared. That’s a fair stance—user privacy isn’t a bargaining chip. Yet, TikTok’s cultural grip, especially among the young, made a ban politically dicey.

Framework Emerges From Talks

Enter the framework deal, described by Bessent as a “switch to a U.S.-controlled ownership.” It’s not full divestment but a compromise to keep TikTok alive. Bessent noted, “It would not have been extended without a framework,” signaling confidence in the deal’s bones.

China pushed hard, seeking trade and tech policy concessions. “Our Chinese counterparts have come with a very aggressive ask,” Bessent admitted. Sounds like Beijing’s playing chess while we’re guarding the board.

The deal’s timing aligns with high-stakes trade talks. Trump, ever the dealmaker, touted progress: “The big Trade Meeting in Europe between The United States of America and China, has gone VERY WELL!” He’s not wrong—saving a cultural juggernaut like TikTok is a win for his base.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet on Sept. 19, 2025, to finalize the agreement. A short extension of the Sept. 17 deadline may keep the app running in the meantime. This meeting could be a make-or-break moment for TikTok’s U.S. future.

Trump’s enthusiasm is palpable: “A deal was also reached on a ‘certain’ company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save.” He’s pitching this as a victory for America’s youth, not woke bureaucrats. Smart move—nobody wants to be the guy who killed TikTok.

The framework’s details remain sparse, but it’s clear that the U.S. prioritized control over outright expulsion. ByteDance’s reluctance to sell outright forced creative dealmaking. It’s less about ideology and more about keeping the app out of Beijing’s hands.

National Security vs. Cultural Staple

National security concerns aren’t abstract. The Chinese government’s potential to access user data or push propaganda through TikTok is real. But banning a platform millions use daily feels like torching a digital town square.

Trump’s extensions bought time, reflecting his knack for balancing populist appeal with hardline policy. “The relationship remains a very strong one!!!” he claimed, hyping U.S.-China ties. That’s optimistic, but diplomacy needs some swagger.

This deal isn’t a full surrender to globalism. It’s a calculated move to protect American interests while preserving a platform that defines modern culture. Let’s hope Friday’s meeting seals the deal without selling out our principles.

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