Trump Signs Executive Order for TikTok Transfer to US Ownership, Citing Agreement with China

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order approving a deal that will transfer the popular video-sharing app TikTok to American ownership and control. Trump stated that the deal was a key focus during his September 20 talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He indicated that President Xi had given the ‘go-ahead’ for the deal, which will involve American investors and companies managing the app. Trump highlighted that the involvement of figures like Oracle’s Chief Technology Officer, Larry Ellison, and Oracle itself, will be central to ensuring platform security and safety. Previously, Trump announced that Xi Jinping had approved the TikTok deal to allow the platform to continue operating in the US. The US aims for greater control of TikTok by US investors. The legislation, passed in April 2024, was intended to ban the app from January 19, 2025, though it has yet to be enforced.