President Donald Trump has signed an executive order outlining a plan to shift majority control of the popular social media platform TikTok to American investors. The move comes after concerns about data security and potential influence from the Chinese government, reflecting a commitment to protecting American interests in the digital age.
Trump announced the agreement, titled “Saving TikTok While Protecting National Security,” after speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He told reporters in the Oval Office that he had “a very good conversation with President Xi,” adding, “I respect him greatly. I hope he respects me greatly too. We talked about TikTok and other things, but we talked about TikTok, and he gave it his blessing.”
Under the agreement, a group of American investors, including Oracle and Silver Lake, will acquire the majority stake in a newly formed entity overseeing TikTok’s operations. ByteDance, the Chinese company that currently owns TikTok, will retain a minority stake of less than 20%. The deal values the company at $14 billion, according to Vice President J.D. Vance.
A key component of the agreement involves Oracle taking responsibility for inspecting and retraining TikTok’s recommendation algorithm using data from American users. This step aims to ensure the algorithm is free from any bias or manipulation that could promote harmful content or propaganda. Oracle will also be responsible for safeguarding TikTok’s data to ensure that the privacy of American citizens are protected.
“The fundamental thing we wanted to accomplish was to keep TikTok running, but we also wanted to make sure that we protected the data privacy of Americans as required by law, both because it’s the right thing to do and because it’s a legal requirement under the law that Congress passed last year,” Vance stated.
This agreement reflects a balanced approach, allowing Americans to continue enjoying TikTok while addressing legitimate concerns about national security. By ensuring American control over the platform, the agreement protects against potential foreign influence and safeguards the data of American users.
The focus on data security aligns with a broader effort to ensure fair competition and protect American values in the digital marketplace. It sends a clear message that the United States will not compromise its security or economic interests in the face of foreign challenges.
In addition to their friendly phone conversations, Trump and Xi Jinping plan to meet in person at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in October. Trump is also scheduled to visit China in 2026, and Xi plans to visit the United States at a later date. These discussions provide opportunities to address trade imbalances and find common ground on issues such as North Korea, climate change, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
The agreement is a significant step towards ensuring a safe and secure digital environment for Americans, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and national security. By promoting American control over key technologies, the Trump administration is working to create a level playing field and protect American interests in the global economy.
