President Donald Trump has taken decisive action to ensure that TikTok remains operational in the United States, signing an executive order that approves a strategic deal valued at an impressive $14 billion.
This move comes in response to national security concerns surrounding the app, which is affiliated with the Chinese company ByteDance.
Under the terms of the agreement, ByteDance will be required to divest its U.S. operations, and a new joint-venture firm will assume oversight, with ByteDance maintaining a minority stake of less than 20%.
Vice President JD Vance emphasized the deal's potential to enhance American ownership over a platform that has garnered significant user engagement, particularly among young Americans.
As part of the arrangement, American tech giant Oracle, along with Silver Lake and the Abu Dhabi-based MGX investment fund, will lead the new company's financial backing, assuming around 45% of the stake.
President Trump highlighted the importance of American control, declaring, “It's owned by Americans, and very sophisticated Americans. This is going to be American operated all the way.”
Notably, Oracle's CEO, Larry Ellison, will play a crucial role in the management and security operations of the TikTok U.S. business, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to safeguarding user data from potential foreign interference.
Despite skepticism about the deal's acceptance by the Chinese government, President Trump indicated that Chinese President Xi Jinping has given the agreement a green light.
This executive order follows the extension of a deadline originally set during President Biden's administration, which aimed to enforce the national security stipulations related to TikTok’s operations.
Meanwhile, the platform is seeing a significant uptick in its role as a news source, with one in five Americans now regularly accessing news content on TikTok. This surge reflects a growing trend, especially among younger demographics who are increasingly turning to digital platforms for their information.
Overall, President Trump's proactive measures represent a crucial step in prioritizing national security while ensuring that American operations remain fully in American hands. The deal not only protects user data but also solidifies the United States' stance against potential threats from foreign entities. It is a win-win for Americans, as it promotes both the use of technology and national security interests.
Sources:
cnbc.comnytimes.compewresearch.org