The social media app TikTok faces a potential shutdown on April 5 unless it is sold to a non-Chinese owner. Former President Trump previously delayed the enforcement of a federal ban and suggested he might extend that delay if needed.
On Wednesday, Trump indicated that he might ease upcoming tariffs on China in exchange for the country’s cooperation in facilitating TikTok’s sale to a U.S.-approved buyer.
Recognizing that Beijing would need to be involved in the deal, he told reporters at the White House that he was open to negotiations, saying, “Maybe I’ll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done.”
A law enacted before Trump’s presidency requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban. Lawmakers pushed for this measure due to bipartisan concerns over national security risks, which TikTok has denied.
