On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that talks with China over a possible TikTok deal will begin early this week — either Monday or Tuesday. Trump also claimed that a deal is already “pretty much” ready, but it needs China’s green light.
“I think we’re gonna start Monday or Tuesday… talking to China, perhaps President Xi or one of his representatives, but we would pretty much have a deal,” Trump said while speaking on Air Force One.
This comes after months of back-and-forth between Washington and Beijing, with TikTok caught in the middle. Trump had earlier set a September 17 deadline for China-based ByteDance to sell its U.S. TikTok operations to American companies.
A Battle Over Digital Influence
Let’s be honest — this is not just a business deal. It’s a power move.
TikTok is more than an app. It’s a global influence machine, especially among young users. The U.S. doesn’t want that power sitting in Beijing’s hands, especially with data and control concerns.
In spring, a deal was nearly final. It would have created a new U.S.-based company, mostly owned by American investors. But then, Trump slapped new tariffs on Chinese goods, and China backed off. They made it clear: No approval from Beijing, no deal.
Trump Plays the Pressure Card
Trump now wants to reopen that conversation. He said a deal is likely but still needs China’s sign-off.
“I’m not confident, but I think so. President Xi and I have a great relationship, and I think it’s good for them,” Trump said.
It’s classic Trump. Say you’ve won, and then push your opponent to agree. But will China play along? That’s the million-dollar question.
This US-China TikTok drama isn’t just about short videos. It’s about data, control, and digital power in the 21st century.
China wants to keep control. The U.S. wants to take it away.
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