Donald Trump is at it again, stirring the pot with a bold statement that has everyone talking. As the incoming U.S. President gears up for his inauguration, he has set his sights on TikTok, the social media app that has captured the hearts of millions of Americans—and, apparently, his attention as well.
In his statement, Trump called on companies to prevent TikTok from “going dark” ahead of a looming federal ban. But here’s the twist: he’s offering to extend the timeline for the ban and proposing a deal that could keep the app alive in the U.S.—under some very specific conditions.
“I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security,” he wrote. “The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.”
For Trump, this isn’t just about saving TikTok; it’s about reshaping its ownership structure entirely. He’s floated the idea of a joint venture that would grant the U.S. government a staggering 50% ownership stake in the platform. According to him, this move could “save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up.” But, as always with Trump, there’s a catch: without U.S. approval, TikTok “has no value,” he claims. With approval, however? “It is worth hundreds of billions of dollars—maybe trillions.”
Let that sink in for a moment.
This isn’t just a tech issue or a matter of national security; it’s a power play. Trump is essentially saying that the U.S. government should co-own one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. The implications are enormous. What would a 50% stake in TikTok mean for the app’s users, its creators, and its global operations? Would this partnership secure its future—or stifle its creativity under the watchful eye of Uncle Sam?
And then there’s the question of whether such a deal is even feasible. TikTok’s current owners, ByteDance, are already under immense pressure, and adding U.S. government ownership into the mix could complicate matters further. Would new buyers be willing to play ball under Trump’s terms?
Trump’s timing is also noteworthy. By tying this proposal to his inauguration, he’s sending a clear message: this is more than a policy move; it’s a statement about his presidency. He wants to be seen as the leader who saved TikTok—but on his terms.
So, where does this leave us?
For now, TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, and Trump’s proposal raises more questions than it answers. But one thing is clear: this isn’t just about an app. It’s about control, influence, and the future of how tech companies operate in an increasingly polarized world.
Will Trump’s gamble pay off? Only time will tell. But as Americans tune into his inauguration on Monday—potentially on TikTok itself—it’s safe to say this is a story far from over.
