Agreement Framework for TikTok’s Future in the U.S.

In a significant development regarding TikTok’s operation within American borders, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent announced that the United States and China have reached a preliminary "framework" for an agreement. This comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the legality of the popular social media app, which has faced scrutiny for its ties to the Chinese company ByteDance.

Recent Administration Actions

Since assuming office in January, former President Trump signed an executive order that effectively ignored existing federal law requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a potential ban in the U.S. This order, along with subsequent similar moves, has drawn legal criticism from experts, including esteemed Harvard Law professor Jack Goldsmith, who termed the actions "illegal".

• Key Points:
  • Trump expressed a desire for the U.S. government to acquire a 50% stake in TikTok if a sale occurs.
  • Oracle’s founder, Larry Ellison, who is reportedly in close contact with Trump, is interested in pursuing the acquisition again following the proposed agreement.

Framework Details and Future Discussions

During a recent meeting in Madrid, Treasury Secretary Bessent revealed the progress made, stating, "We have a framework for a TikTok deal." He confirmed that discussions are ongoing between U.S. officials and a Chinese delegation, involving trade matters beyond just TikTok.

Upcoming Conversations

• A significant conversation between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi is scheduled for Friday, aimed at finalizing the agreement.

Bessent refrained from revealing specific terms of the deal but assured that both parties are prepared to move forward once the presidential discussions are completed. He emphasized the necessity of creating a fair agreement respecting U.S. national security interests.

Current Executive Orders and Impacts

The latest executive order related to TikTok was signed by Trump on June 19, halting enforcement of the planned ban for a duration of 90 days. This means that the current pause is set to expire soon, and there is anticipation regarding whether Trump will sign an extension.

• Polling Insights:
  • Mixed Opinions: Recent polls indicate that American citizens are narrowly divided on the issue of a TikTok ban, with about one-third supporting a ban, one-third in favor of the app remaining unrestricted, and one-third undecided.
  • Previous research by the Pew Research Center earlier this year noted that 50% of respondents supported banning TikTok, while only 22% opposed it.

Public Remarks and Expectations

In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump hinted at an announcement regarding TikTok, stating that discussions between the U.S. and China "have gone VERY WELL." He reassured followers that a deal would likely resonate positively with younger Americans, whom he described as being quite fond of the app.

Quote from Trump:

“A deal was also reached on a ‘certain’ company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save. They will be very happy!”

Conclusion

As the U.S. and China approach a resolution concerning TikTok, the implications of this deal could be far-reaching, affecting both national security protocols and the social media landscape in the United States. Continuous updates will emerge as the two leaders speak, and more details about the agreement are unveiled.

For more context on TikTok and its operations, visit The Washington Post and for legislative insights, check out Congress.gov.