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Trump Seeks TikTok Deal While Suspending Ban Enforcement

President Trump proposes a U.S. government stake in TikTok and backs Elon Musk as a potential buyer, raising legal and policy questions.

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TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew (left) and Tulsi Gabbard, the nominee to be the next director of national intelligence, attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Overview

  • President Trump issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of a TikTok ban for 75 days, allowing time to negotiate a potential sale of the app's U.S. operations.
  • Trump suggested a 50-50 ownership structure between the U.S. government and a private buyer, naming Elon Musk and Larry Ellison as possible candidates.
  • Legal experts question the validity of Trump's executive order, as the deadline for TikTok's compliance with divestiture laws had already passed before his inauguration.
  • Critics argue that the proposed deal consolidates executive power over digital platforms and sets a concerning precedent for overriding legislation.
  • ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, briefly shut down U.S. operations before the order, highlighting ongoing uncertainty about the app's future.