US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick issued a stark warning regarding the future of TikTok in the United States, stating that the popular social media platform will be shut down unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, agrees to a sale to a US entity. This announcement underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding data security and foreign ownership of technology in America.
During an interview on a CNBC program, Lutnick emphasized that the Trump administration’s stance is clear: TikTok must “come out of Chinese control.” He articulated concerns about the implications of having Chinese ownership over an application used on approximately 100 million American devices, stating, “You can’t have Chinese control and have something on 100 million American phones. That’s just not okay.”
The deadline for ByteDance to divest from TikTok has been extended for a third time by President Donald Trump. Lutnick indicated that while ByteDance could retain a minority stake in the app, the primary control would need to be transferred to American owners, particularly over the technology and algorithm that underpin the platform.
Interest in acquiring TikTok has surged, with several entities expressing their intentions to buy the platform. The urgency surrounding these discussions escalated following the passage of legislation in 2024 that mandates a ban on the app unless a domestic buyer is found. This legislative move has drawn attention from both sides of the political aisle, including President Joe Biden, who, along with members of Congress, has raised concerns about TikTok’s potential national security risks.
In a significant ruling, the US Supreme Court upheld the law that prohibits the app from operating in the country unless sold to a US owner. This legal framework has complicated TikTok’s operations and future in the US market.
Interestingly, Trump’s relationship with TikTok has evolved over time. During his first term, he attempted to impose a ban on the app but later shifted his stance while campaigning for re-election. In 2024, he joined TikTok, crediting its younger user base for his successful presidential campaign.
The situation surrounding TikTok remains dynamic as the administration continues to navigate the balance between national security and the interests of millions of American users. As discussions of a potential sale progress, the outcome will significantly impact the future of the platform and its place in American digital culture.
