what did trump do to get tiktok back

2 min read 16-04-2025

Trump's TikTok Tango: A Failed Attempt at a US-Based Deal

Donald Trump's attempts to force a sale of TikTok's US operations stemmed from national security concerns. He believed the app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, posed a risk to American user data and potentially influenced elections. However, his approach was unconventional and ultimately unsuccessful in achieving his stated goal of a complete American ownership. Let's break down his actions and why they fell short.

The Executive Order and the Deadline

Trump's administration issued an executive order in August 2020, threatening to ban TikTok in the US unless its parent company, ByteDance, divested its American operations. The stated reason was the potential for the Chinese government to access user data through ByteDance. A deadline was set for a sale to be completed.

The Proposed Deals and Their Demise

Several deals were proposed, most notably one involving Oracle and Walmart. This partnership aimed to create a new entity, TikTok Global, that would be majority-owned by American companies. However, this deal never fully materialized and ultimately failed to satisfy the administration's concerns and requirements. Key sticking points included data security protocols and ongoing Chinese involvement. Other potential buyers also emerged, but none ultimately succeeded in securing a deal under Trump's stringent conditions.

Why the Efforts Failed

Trump's actions faced several hurdles:

Legal Challenges: The executive order faced numerous legal challenges, arguing it exceeded the president's authority and violated due process. These challenges slowed down the process and cast doubt on the legality of the forced sale.
Negotiation Difficulties: The negotiations were complex and involved multiple parties with differing interests. Reaching an agreement that satisfied both the US government and ByteDance proved exceptionally challenging. The administration's demands for complete control and severing ties with ByteDance created significant roadblocks.
Lack of Clear Guidelines: The administration's demands weren't always clearly defined, adding to the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the deal. This lack of transparency hampered negotiations and created an environment of uncertainty.
Political Motivations: Critics suggested the push for a TikTok sale was more politically motivated than solely focused on national security. The timing of the order, coinciding with the 2020 election, fueled this speculation.

The Biden Administration and the Status Quo

Upon taking office, the Biden administration reviewed the situation and ultimately allowed the deal to lapse. While national security concerns remain, the Biden administration adopted a different approach, preferring to address data security concerns through regulations and other means rather than forcing a sale. This reflected a shift from the Trump administration's more aggressive tactics.

Conclusion: A Complex and Unfinished Story

Trump's efforts to "get TikTok back" were a complex mix of national security concerns, political maneuvering, and ultimately, failed negotiations. The outcome reflects the challenges of navigating international business disputes, particularly when they involve technology and national security. The saga highlights the difficulties in balancing the need to protect national interests with the principles of free markets and fair legal processes. While the immediate goal of forcing a sale was not met, the debate over data security and foreign influence on social media platforms continues.