Updated March 27th 2025, 16:16 IST
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said he might reduce tariffs on China to secure a deal for TikTok’s future in the U.S. The social media platform, owned by China-based ByteDance, is facing potential restrictions or a forced sale under U.S. laws aimed at addressing national security concerns.
The popular social media platform, ByteDance, faces a forced sale due to national security concerns. Trump’s remarks come as the U.S. government intensifies efforts to regulate TikTok, with ongoing debates about its data security and ownership.
The U.S. government has been pushing for TikTok’s sale to an American company, citing concerns that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. Trump, who had previously tried to ban TikTok during his presidency, now suggests that easing tariffs on China could be part of the negotiation.
This statement comes as the Biden administration moves ahead with a new bill that could lead to a ban on TikTok if ByteDance does not sell its stake. Trump’s latest comments signal a shift in his approach, as he has been critical of tariffs in the past, calling them a tax on American consumers.
Meanwhile, TikTok has been lobbying aggressively to prevent a ban, arguing that it safeguards user data and operates independently from China. Some lawmakers, however, remain sceptical and continue to push for stricter regulations.
The outcome of these discussions could have a significant impact on millions of TikTok users in the U.S. and the broader U.S.-China trade relationship.
Published March 27th 2025, 16:16 IST