In a renewed twist of digital diplomacy, U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the revival of a near-final deal concerning the sale of TikTok’s American operations. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed upcoming talks with China—potentially involving President Xi Jinping—aimed at resolving the legal and political standoff. As the September 17 deadline looms, the fate of the Chinese-owned short-video platform hangs delicately on cross-border negotiations, investor interests, and geopolitical mood swings. A group of unnamed wealthy U.S. buyers stands ready, awaiting China’s critical approval.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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Trump says the U.S. “pretty much” has a TikTok deal
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Talks with China could begin as early as Monday or Tuesday
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TikTok ban deadline now extended to September 17
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ByteDance must meet U.S. legal requirements for sale
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A wealthy group of U.S. buyers reportedly lined up
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China’s approval remains a pivotal step
In a development that could reshape the future of one of the world’s most influential social media platforms, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that negotiations over a potential TikTok deal with China may resume this week. While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Independence Day, Trump suggested that a framework for a deal was already in place, though key details remain unresolved.
The President noted that a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping—or one of his representatives—may be on the horizon. Discussions are expected to focus on the fate of TikTok’s U.S. operations, which have been under scrutiny over national security concerns tied to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
“We Pretty Much Have a Deal”
“We’re gonna start Monday or Tuesday… talking to China, perhaps President Xi or one of his representatives,” Trump told reporters. “But we would, we pretty much have a deal.”
This statement hints at a rekindling of previously stalled negotiations, which had hit a standstill earlier this year after China resisted efforts to separate TikTok’s U.S. business from its Chinese parent.
Delayed But Not Dismissed
Originally, the Trump administration pursued a plan to spin off TikTok’s U.S. operations into a new company that would be majority-owned and operated by American investors. The goal was to address ongoing concerns over data privacy and Chinese influence. However, the effort lost momentum after the announcement of new U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting strong objections from Beijing.
Though the deal appeared dormant for a time, the recent remarks by Trump suggest it may be revived under renewed diplomatic engagement.
Trump Speaks on Chinese Cooperation
When asked about the likelihood of China agreeing to the deal, Trump offered a measured but hopeful tone.
“I’m not confident,” he admitted. “But I think so. President Xi and I have a great relationship, and I think it’s good for them. I think the deal is good for China and it’s good for us.”
His comments reflect both uncertainty and optimism, signaling the complex balance of business, diplomacy, and tech policy in the ongoing U.S.-China relationship.
The Ban That’s Still on the Table
Last month, the White House extended the deadline for ByteDance to divest its U.S. TikTok operations. Originally set to take effect sooner, the TikTok ban was postponed through a third executive order signed by Trump on June 19. The latest extension grants the company until September 17 to reach a resolution that satisfies American legal and security frameworks.
This timeline continues to keep the fate of the app—and its millions of U.S. users—in uncertain territory.
Who Will Buy TikTok?
In a separate interview aired in June on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Trump provided another key update—one that raised both intrigue and speculation.
“We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way,” he said. “I think I’ll need probably China’s approval. I think President Xi will probably do it.”
While the president did not name the potential buyers, he described them simply as “a group of very wealthy people,” suggesting that negotiations are occurring at a high level of private investment and corporate interest.
Crossroads for a Global App
TikTok, known for its short-form videos and massive youth audience, has become one of the most downloaded apps in the U.S. Its ownership by a Chinese company has drawn bipartisan scrutiny over fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. ByteDance has repeatedly denied such claims, but calls for its divestment in the U.S. have only grown louder.
The unfolding deal could reshape the platform’s identity and future in the U.S. market—if it goes through at all.
As the deadline inches closer and diplomatic engagement resumes, all eyes are on Washington and Beijing. The outcome could serve as a test of not only tech policy but also the broader geopolitical relationship between the two world powers.
As the deadline approaches, the unfolding TikTok saga reveals more than a corporate transaction—it underscores a tense intersection of technology, politics, and global power play. While President Trump signals optimism and a potential deal on the horizon, much remains uncertain until China formally responds. With legal requirements tightening and strategic interests deepening, the fate of TikTok’s U.S. operations stands at a critical juncture. Whether this deal materializes or dissolves will not only shape TikTok’s future in America but also echo in the broader narrative of U.S.-China digital diplomacy.
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