The future of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance as talks of a major deal to transfer its American operations gain momentum. With growing concerns over data security and political tensions between the U.S. and China, the question on everyone’s mind is whether China will approve the sale of TikTok’s U.S. business. As deadlines approach and negotiations intensify, the world watches closely, will Beijing say yes, or will this deal fall apart, reshaping the social media landscape forever? Why is Trump waiting on Xi Jinping to finalize a U.S. TikTok deal? Let’s find out.

Trump Hints at TikTok Deal

US President Donald Trump has revealed that a group of wealthy individuals is prepared to buy TikTok, the popular video-sharing app. Speaking in a recent Fox News interview, Trump said the deal is almost ready, but may require approval from China’s President Xi Jinping.

While Trump did not name the buyers, he mentioned that their identities would be disclosed “in about two weeks.” He called them “very wealthy people” and seemed confident the deal could move forward soon.

China’s Role Remains Key

Despite optimism, Trump admitted that the Chinese government may have to approve the transaction. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, and Beijing has shown reluctance in the past to let go of the app’s US operations.

TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain, as a law passed in 2024 requires ByteDance to sell its US assets or face a ban. The deadline for this divestment has been extended three times already.

Election and App Support

Interestingly, Trump has also credited TikTok with boosting his support among young voters during the 2024 election. He appears to view the platform as a valuable tool for political engagement, making the situation even more complex.

At one point, Trump proposed a joint venture between ByteDance and American investors. This would give the US a 50% ownership stake in TikTok’s US operations, but those discussions have stalled.

Talks See Delays

Earlier in 2025, negotiations were underway to spin off TikTok’s US branch into a separate American-owned entity. However, China pushed back after Trump introduced new tariffs on Chinese goods, further delaying progress.

Names like Elon Musk and Oracle’s Larry Ellison have been floated as possible participants in the purchase, though Musk’s involvement appears unlikely now.

September Deadline Nears

The current deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations is set for 17 September. As that date approaches, many are watching to see if the Chinese government will support any deal.

Until then, Trump and his unnamed group of buyers must wait to see how the situation unfolds on the international stage.