TikTok returned to the spotlight on Monday during US-China trade talks in Europe. Former US President Donald Trump hinted that negotiators may have struck a deal involving the popular app.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “A deal was also reached on a certain company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save.” His words suggest the decision could favour youth who want TikTok to stay active.
The statement clashed with his comments a day earlier, when he told reporters that his administration was ready to let the app shut down. The mixed signals deepened uncertainty.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who leads talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Madrid, told reporters that negotiators are “very close” to resolving the TikTok issue. He added that China made “aggressive demands” during the discussions.
TikTok faced a ban under the Biden administration and briefly went dark. Trump later delayed the ban and tied the app’s fate to a broader trade deal with China.
The US and China still need to settle key disputes, including a 90-day pause on tariffs that could climb as high as 145%. Trump also urged NATO allies to impose tariffs on China for its oil trade with Russia.
