Trump Delays TikTok Ban, Threatens Tariffs on China in Bold Executive Move
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump made headlines by signing an executive order to delay the controversial TikTok divest-or-ban law. This move, which fulfills a key campaign promise, has sparked intense debate over the future of the popular video-sharing app and its implications for U.S.-China relations.
“I may not do the deal. I may do the deal.TikTok is worthless, worthless. If I don’t approve it, it has to close. I learned that from the people that own it,” Trump declared on Monday, leaving the fate of the app hanging in the balance. His remarks underscore the high-stakes negotiations surrounding TikTok, which has been at the center of national security concerns due to its chinese ownership.
The executive order grants the management 75 days to explore alternative solutions to address tiktok’s data privacy issues without resorting to an outright ban. This temporary reprieve has been welcomed by millions of TikTok users and creators who rely on the platform for entertainment and income.
Trump’s strategy, though, goes beyond mere delay. He has also issued a stark warning to China, suggesting that failure to approve a potential deal could result in significant tariffs. “If we wanted to make a deal with tiktok, and it was a good deal, and China wouldn’t approve it, then I think ultimately they’d approve it because we’d put tariffs on China,” he said.
The President didn’t mince words about the potential consequences. “Maybe, I’m not saying I would, but you certainly could do that. And if we said, well, ‘you’re not going to approve it’, then that’s a certain hostility, and we’ll put tariffs of 25, 30, 40, 50 per cent, even 100 per cent.”
This hardline approach reflects Trump’s broader trade policy, which has often used tariffs as a tool to pressure foreign governments. The threat of escalating tariffs adds a layer of complexity to the TikTok saga, intertwining tech policy with economic strategy.
The executive order also highlights the administration’s focus on national security. By delaying the ban, Trump aims to find a solution that safeguards user data without alienating TikTok’s massive user base. “With tiktok,I have the right to either sell it or close it,and we’ll make that determination … We may have to get an approval from China too,I’m not sure,but I’m sure they’ll approve it,” he added.
As the 75-day window unfolds, all eyes will be on the negotiations between the U.S. and China. Will TikTok find a new home, or will it face the chopping block? The answer could reshape the tech landscape and redefine U.S.-China relations for years to come.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Executive Order | Delays TikTok ban for 75 days to explore alternatives |
| Trump’s Stance | “TikTok is worthless, worthless. If I don’t approve it, it has to close.” |
| Tariff Threat | Potential tariffs of 25% to 100% if China blocks a deal |
| National Security Focus| Addresses data privacy concerns without an outright ban |
| Timeline | 75-day window to negotiate a solution |
This bold move by Trump has reignited the debate over TikTok’s future, blending tech policy, national security, and international trade into a high-stakes drama.As the clock ticks, the world waits to see whether TikTok will survive—or become a casualty of geopolitical tensions.