'Going to see what's to happen with China': Trump says TikTok deal is still 'on table'
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump stated that the deal to transfer TikTok’s operations to American companies is still possible despite the recent pause, according to the White House reporter Philip Wegmann and Reuters.
During a conversation with journalists in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump noted that the potential deal to transfer TikTok’s American assets is still "on the table" several days after it was paused.
"We have a deal with some very good people, some very rich companies that would do a great job with it, but we're going to have to wait and see what's going to happen with China," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "It's on the table, very much."
TikTok deal 'cancellation'
Earlier, media reports emerged stating that the sale of TikTok to an American company had been temporarily canceled. FOX Business reporter and NY Post columnist Charles Gasparino reported this.
According to him, the sale of the Chinese app is currently "not being discussed." He also mentioned that White House officials acknowledge that a potential deal is unlikely in the foreseeable future, and possibly even altogether, as the US moves toward a trade war entirely focused on China.
Media reports have emerged claiming that the deal to sell TikTok has been temporarily canceled (photo: screenshot x.com/CGasparino)
Issues on US TikTok deal
In April 2024, during Joe Biden's presidency in the US, a law was signed that requires TikTok to be sold to a US owner or one of its allies. Otherwise, the app will be banned due to national security concerns.
Shortly before the inauguration of the new US president, Donald Trump, TikTok was indeed blocked in the US as the law took effect.
Immediately after taking office, Trump signed an executive order granting TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, an additional 75 days to find a new owner. After the deadline was extended, the app resumed operations and appeared on marketplaces.
Additionally, Trump previously stated that there is significant interest in the social media app in the US. On March 27, Western media reported that Trump might lower tariffs on China to strike a deal regarding TikTok.
However, on April 9, the US sharply raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, and this decision has already come into effect.
Also, on April 4, the US president said the country was close to reaching a deal regarding TikTok.
