What's happened
As of late August 2025, the White House launched an official TikTok account featuring videos of President Trump, despite a 2024 law requiring TikTok's Chinese parent ByteDance to sell its US operations or face a ban. Trump has extended the divestment deadline three times, with the next due September 17, citing progress on a deal. Public opinion remains divided amid national security concerns.
What's behind the headline?
Political and Strategic Calculations
The Trump administration's approach to TikTok reveals a complex balancing act between national security concerns and political strategy. Initially advocating for a ban due to fears of Chinese government data access, Trump has since softened his stance, recognizing TikTok's value in engaging younger voters—a demographic critical to his 2024 election victory.
Legal and Constitutional Nuances
The Supreme Court's affirmation of the divest-or-ban law underscores the government's authority to regulate foreign-owned tech platforms on security grounds. However, legal experts warn that partial US ownership or joint ventures could raise novel constitutional questions, particularly around free speech and platform control.
Market and Deal Dynamics
The ongoing extensions reflect the difficulty in structuring a deal that satisfies US security demands and Chinese regulatory approval. Potential buyers range from AI firms to billionaire investors, but China's approval remains a significant hurdle. TikTok's plan to launch a US-specific app version further complicates the landscape, raising questions about algorithmic control and user data segregation.
Public Opinion and Political Messaging
Public sentiment is increasingly divided, with support for a ban dropping from 50% to about one-third. The White House's active presence on TikTok, including videos featuring Trump, signals an intent to leverage the platform politically while navigating the legal and diplomatic challenges.
Forecast
Given the approaching September 17 deadline and the administration's reluctance to enforce a ban, another extension is likely. The outcome will hinge on complex negotiations involving US investors, Chinese regulators, and political considerations. The situation will continue to impact US-China tech relations and domestic political communication strategies.
What the papers say
Dan Whateley of Business Insider UK details the legal and political maneuvers, noting Trump's repeated deadline extensions and the emergence of diverse bidders including AI firms and billionaires. The New Arab and AP News echo this, highlighting Trump's softened stance and the White House's TikTok account launch, with Trump calling himself a fan and emphasizing the app's popularity among young voters. The Guardian and South China Morning Post provide context on TikTok's algorithm concerns and Trump's campaign use of the platform, noting bipartisan legislative support for the ban but also the administration's delays in enforcement. TechCrunch focuses on the White House's TikTok content and the mixed reception it has received, while Al Jazeera reports on the bipartisan congressional vote and ongoing state-level lawsuits against TikTok and other social media platforms for alleged harm to youth. The Independent and Business Insider UK emphasize the political shift from Trump's first term ban efforts to his current approach of seeking a deal, with the White House actively communicating via TikTok. Bloomberg briefly notes the White House's initial TikTok video featuring Trump and other officials. Together, these sources illustrate a story of legal battles, political strategy, public opinion shifts, and ongoing negotiations shaping TikTok's uncertain future in the US.
How we got here
In 2024, US Congress passed a law mandating ByteDance, TikTok's China-based owner, to divest its US operations or face a ban. The law was upheld by the Supreme Court. TikTok briefly went dark in January 2025 but was restored after Trump issued an executive order delaying enforcement. Since then, Trump has extended the deadline multiple times while pursuing a US-based sale to address security concerns.
Go deeper
- What are the national security concerns related to TikTok?
- Who are the potential US buyers interested in TikTok?
- How has public opinion shifted regarding the TikTok ban?
Common question
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How is the US using TikTok despite the ban? White House's new TikTok strategy
The US government is navigating a complex landscape with TikTok, balancing security concerns with strategic communication. Despite ongoing efforts to ban the app, the White House has recently launched its own TikTok account, raising questions about how the platform is still being used at the federal level. In this article, we explore why the White House is engaging with TikTok now, whether the ban will hold, and what legal and political factors are at play. Keep reading to understand the latest developments and what they mean for TikTok users and US policy.
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Why is the US delaying the TikTok ban?
The US has been delaying the enforcement of a TikTok ban amid ongoing legal and political debates. While the law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a nationwide ban, recent actions suggest a strategic shift. Many wonder what this delay means for users, the government, and US-China tech relations. Below, we explore the reasons behind the delay and what it could mean for the future of TikTok in the US.
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Why is the White House now supporting TikTok in 2025?
In 2025, the White House has taken a surprising turn by launching an official TikTok account and showing support for the platform, despite ongoing security concerns and legal battles. This shift raises questions about the true motives behind the White House's TikTok strategy, the future of TikTok in the US, and what this means for US-China relations. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this development and what it could mean for users and policymakers alike.
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Why Is the White House Using TikTok Now?
The White House's recent move to join TikTok has sparked many questions. Why would the government embrace a platform that has been under scrutiny for national security? What does this mean for US-China relations and public opinion? Below, we explore the reasons behind this surprising strategy and what it could mean for the future of social media and politics.
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Why Is the US So Concerned About TikTok's Chinese Ownership?
The US government's concerns about TikTok stem from fears over national security and data privacy, given its Chinese ownership. With millions of Americans using the app daily, questions arise about how user data is handled and whether it could be accessed by the Chinese government. This has led to ongoing debates, legal battles, and even attempts to ban or regulate TikTok in the US. Below, we explore the key issues, recent developments, and what they mean for users and international relations.
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What’s Next for Global Security and Diplomacy?
In today’s rapidly changing world, international security and diplomatic relations are more complex than ever. From regional conflicts to major diplomatic shifts, understanding the key issues can help you stay informed. Below, we explore the biggest concerns and upcoming developments shaping global stability, answering your most pressing questions about the future of diplomacy and security.
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What’s Behind US-China Tensions Over TikTok, Greenland, and Trade?
Recent developments in US-China relations are making headlines, from TikTok's uncertain future to geopolitical moves in Greenland and trade disputes with India. These stories reveal a complex web of diplomacy, security concerns, and economic interests. Curious about what’s really happening and what it means for the global balance of power? Keep reading for clear answers to the most pressing questions about these major issues.
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