Trump weighs tariff cuts to secure TikTok deal
ByteDance must sell TikTok’s US operations or face a ban, with Washington citing national security concerns over potential Chinese government influence and data collection.
US President Donald Trump has indicated he is willing to reduce tariffs on China as part of a deal with ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the popular short-video app.
ByteDance faces an April 5 deadline to divest TikTok’s US operations or risk a nationwide ban over national security concerns.
The law mandating the sale stems from fears in Washington that Beijing could exploit the app for influence operations and data collection on American users.
Trump suggested he may extend the deadline if negotiations require more time and acknowledged China’s role in the deal’s approval. Speaking to reporters, he hinted that tariff reductions could be used as leverage to finalise an agreement.
China’s commerce ministry responded by reaffirming its stance on trade discussions, stating that engagement with Washington should be based on mutual respect and benefit.
The White House has taken an active role in brokering a potential sale, with discussions centring on major non-Chinese investors increasing their stakes to acquire TikTok’s US operations. Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence that a framework for the deal could be reached by the April deadline.
Free speech advocates, meanwhile, continue to challenge the law, arguing that banning TikTok could violate the First Amendment rights of American users.
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