TikTok users can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for now.
The popular app is officially safe in the U.S. after Donald Trump’s administration struck a new agreement with China, marking the end of a drawn-out tug of war that began years ago.
U.S. officials confirmed Monday that a framework has been reached to prevent a forced TikTok shutdown. Trump is expected to speak directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week to finalize the terms, which could also open the door for a high-profile meeting between the two leaders in Asia next month.
While details of the buyer remain under wraps, tech insiders believe Oracle’s Larry Ellison is leading the charge. Ellison, a longtime Trump ally, previously attempted to acquire TikTok in 2020.
The battle over TikTok began during Trump’s first term, when security concerns triggered bipartisan efforts to block the app unless Chinese parent company ByteDance gave up its U.S. stake. Despite multiple deadlines, Trump extended enforcement several times, ultimately softening his stance after TikTok proved vital in reaching younger voters.
As part of a broader U.S.-China trade discussion in Spain, TikTok became a bargaining chip with major economic and political implications.
