Trump's Latest Executive Order Secures TikTok's Future Amid Security Scrutiny

Fri Dec 05 2025 15:54:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump signs an executive order to keep TikTok operational in the U.S., addressing national security concerns. Discussions on ownership transfer and algorithm management are underway as geopolitical tensions persist.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that allows TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. by addressing national security issues. The order comes after a previous mandate from President Joe Biden for TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest from its U.S. operations. With an emerging coalition of American investors set to control a new venture, there are questions about the implications for user experience and potential political influence.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that he claims will facilitate TikTok's continued operation in the United States while addressing national security concerns outlined by legislation.

The order follows the legislation signed by President Joe Biden last year, mandating that China's ByteDance divests its assets in TikTok or face a nationwide ban. Despite this, Trump has consistently issued orders allowing TikTok to function in the U.S. as negotiations for a sale proceed.

Details surrounding the potential deal remain unclear. However, Trump announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping has given approval for it. Any significant change to the popular platform could impact how young Americans, particularly adolescents, access information online.

The Chinese embassy in Washington has not yet responded to requests for confirmation regarding China's endorsement of the proposed deal.

Statistics reveal that 43% of U.S. adults under 30 regularly consume news from TikTok, surpassing other platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, according to research published by Pew Center.

Ownership and Concerns

Under the expected terms, TikTok will transition into a new joint venture majority-owned by American investors, including Oracle and Silver Lake Partners. ByteDance is anticipated to hold a significantly smaller stake.

Critics have raised concerns about the influence of investors aligned with Trump, which may potentially affect the content and operational integrity of TikTok.

Algorithm Control

Concerns surrounding the security of TikTok’s recommendation algorithm remain a hot topic. While the U.S. hopes to re-train the algorithm with domestic data, officials previously warned of potential manipulations from Chinese authorities. There has been no substantiated evidence of such actions.

During previous administrations, Trump stressed that the data collection by TikTok poses threats to American privacy, stating the Chinese Communist Party may access sensitive information.

Geopolitical Implications

The evolving dynamics between the U.S. and China appear to have played a role in the deal's formation, with observers suggesting that concessions may have been exchanged for improved trade relations.

Experts assert that while TikTok's influence has waned compared to its prominent role five years ago, it remains significant in broader technological discourses.

As the future of TikTok unfolds, analysts caution regarding potential user reception to any modifications made to the platform under new management.