TikTok Deal: Trump Says Talks with China Start This Week

The United States is set to initiate formal negotiations with China this week regarding the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations, as announced by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated that discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping or his representatives could commence as early as July 7 or 8. He expressed optimism about the deal, stating that the U.S. “pretty much” has an agreement in place, though he acknowledged that final approval from Beijing is necessary.

TikTok, a popular short-video platform owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, has faced increasing scrutiny in the U.S. over national security concerns. In response, legislation enacted in 2024 mandated that ByteDance divest TikTok’s U.S. assets or face a ban. The original deadline for compliance was set just before Trump’s inauguration but has since been extended three times, with the current deadline now set for September 17, 2025.

Earlier this year, a deal was in progress to transfer TikTok’s U.S. operations to a new, majority American-owned entity. However, the plan was stalled after China signaled disapproval, largely in response to a new wave of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Trump acknowledged that any final agreement would likely need Beijing’s approval, stating, “I’m not confident, but I think so,” when asked if China would sign off on the deal.

Despite bipartisan support for a sale, some critics have accused Trump of bypassing the legislative process through executive orders, arguing that this approach risks undermining broader tech security efforts. Nevertheless, the administration has emphasized its intention to avoid a complete TikTok ban, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noting in June that President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark.

TikTok, which boasts around 170 million users in the U.S., expressed gratitude for the administration’s engagement, stating that it would continue working closely with Vice President JD Vance’s office. The company added that it is committed to ensuring the platform remains available to its American user base.

As negotiations progress, the outcome of these talks will have significant implications for U.S.-China relations, the future of TikTok in the United States, and the broader landscape of international tech governance. The administration aims to reach a resolution that addresses national security concerns while preserving the platform’s availability to American users.