President Donald Trump has once again thrust TikTok deal into the political spotlight, signing an executive order from the Oval Office that opens the door for U.S. investors to take a majority stake in the Chinese-owned app.
While the move is being billed as a turning point in the long and controversial debate surrounding TikTok’s future in the United States, the reality is far more complicated. The deal’s specifics remain murky, the legal and political landscape uncertain, and questions about free speech and control of the platform loom larger than ever.
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Trump’s Executive Order: What It Means
On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order signaling approval for American investors to acquire a substantial stake in TikTok. According to Trump, the app will be “American-operated all the way,” emphasizing his administration’s desire to ensure TikTok is no longer controlled by Chinese interests.
“I very much appreciate that [China’s President Xi Jinping] approved the deal,” Trump told reporters. “Because to get it done properly, we really needed the support of China and the approval of China.”
However, despite Trump’s statements, reports suggest that the Chinese government has not yet formally approved the arrangement. This casts uncertainty over Trump’s assertion that the path has been cleared.
Who Are the New Investors?
Trump named several prominent figures he claims are involved in the TikTok takeover: Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
Notably, Trump recently filed a lawsuit against Murdoch over a Wall Street Journal article, raising eyebrows about the alleged investor group’s composition.
Reported Investment Breakdown
According to CNBC, the proposed structure looks like this:
- Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX (Abu Dhabi-based): ~45% stake
- ByteDance investors and new holders: ~35% stake
- ByteDance directly: ~19.9% stake (the legal limit under U.S. law)
This arrangement appears to comply with last year’s legislation forcing ByteDance to divest. Yet, some experts believe ByteDance may still wield significant influence, particularly over the TikTok algorithm—the platform’s most valuable and controversial asset.
A Long History of TikTok Battles in Washington
TikTok’s journey in the U.S. has been anything but smooth.
- 2020: Trump attempted to ban the app outright via executive order, citing national security concerns. Courts blocked the effort.
- 2021: The Biden administration dropped Trump’s ban but ordered reviews into TikTok’s data security.
- 2023–2024: A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers revived efforts to restrict or ban TikTok. Biden signed a law in 2024 mandating ByteDance divest or face a nationwide ban.
- 2024 (Election Season): Trump reversed course, declaring that TikTok should not be banned—an apparent attempt to court younger voters.
Since taking office again in January 2025, Trump has delayed enforcement of the divestment law five times, a move experts call unlawful.
The MAGA Algorithm Question
During Thursday’s press event, Trump was asked whether he wanted TikTok’s algorithm to promote more MAGA-related content.
“If I could, I’d make it 100% MAGA-related,” Trump said with a grin, drawing laughter from aides. “But it’s not going to work out that way, unfortunately.”
Although Trump claimed all groups and political philosophies would be treated fairly on TikTok, his remarks sparked concerns about the app becoming a political tool for his movement.
Targeting Political Opponents
Trump’s assurances of fairness were quickly undercut during the same Oval Office presentation. Roughly 30 minutes later, he signed a presidential memo directing federal agencies to target left-wing and anti-fascist groups for prosecution.
“These are anarchists and agitators,” Trump declared, flanked by Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and senior advisor Stephen Miller. He accused unnamed wealthy individuals of secretly funding these groups and labeled them “domestic terrorists.”
This rhetoric mirrors Trump’s earlier claims during his first term, when he frequently conflated political opposition with criminal behavior.
Escalating Attacks on the Media
Trump’s crackdown on dissent isn’t limited to activists. His administration has also gone after television networks and late-night hosts critical of his leadership.
- CBS cancelled Stephen Colbert’s show following political pressure.
- ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel last week before reinstating him after public backlash.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened ABC executives, raising concerns about state interference in media.
- Trump has already warned that Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers may be “next.”
With this backdrop, critics worry that TikTok—once hailed as a platform for free expression—could face similar pressure to censor voices unfavorable to the president.
The Core Questions About TikTok’s Future
1. Will ByteDance Still Hold Too Much Power?
Even under the proposed deal, ByteDance investors will control nearly 20%, and reports suggest ByteDance may maintain influence over TikTok’s algorithm. This raises the question: Is the app truly divested from Chinese control?
2. Is Trump Politicizing TikTok?
Trump’s joking-but-serious comments about wanting TikTok to push MAGA content, coupled with his targeting of opponents, suggest the platform could be steered in a partisan direction.
3. Is the Deal Legal?
Experts warn Trump’s repeated delays in enforcing the divestment law may already violate statutory requirements. If the deal doesn’t fully comply, Congress or the courts could intervene.
4. What About Free Speech?
With late-night hosts already silenced under Trump’s renewed pressure on broadcasters, many fear TikTok’s algorithm could soon prioritize pro-Trump content while suppressing critical voices.
A Deal Far From Done
Despite Trump’s insistence that the TikTok deal is “done,” the truth is far murkier. China has not formally approved it, the investor group is not finalized, and the algorithm’s fate is uncertain.
Congress is already signaling scrutiny, with lawmakers hinting that ByteDance’s residual influence may violate the spirit—if not the letter—of the 2024 law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Trump’s executive order on TikTok do?
It authorized U.S. investors to take a majority stake in TikTok, aiming to reduce Chinese ownership and control.
Has China approved the TikTok deal?
Not yet. Trump claimed Chinese President Xi Jinping approved it, but reports suggest formal approval from Beijing is still pending.
Who are the major investors involved?
Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX (Abu Dhabi) are leading the group, with rumored involvement from Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, and Rupert Murdoch.
Will ByteDance still control TikTok?
Yes, partially. ByteDance is expected to retain about 19.9% and may still influence the algorithm, raising concerns.
Why is the TikTok algorithm so important?
The algorithm drives TikTok’s content recommendations. Control over it means control over what users see—raising free speech and bias concerns.
Did Trump try to ban TikTok before?
Yes. In 2020, Trump attempted to ban TikTok via executive order, but courts blocked it. The Biden administration later dropped the ban.
Why did Trump reverse his position on banning TikTok?
During the 2024 campaign, Trump shifted stance, likely to appeal to younger voters. Since then, he has delayed enforcing the divestment law multiple times.
Conclusion
TikTok’s American future remains tangled in politics, power struggles, and legal challenges. For Trump, the deal is an opportunity to showcase a “win” against China while potentially gaining influence over one of the most powerful media platforms on earth. For critics, it’s a dangerous precedent that threatens free speech, transparency, and the very fabric of democratic discourse.
