WASHINGTON — TikTok will remain available to American users following a deal struck between the United States and China, ending months of uncertainty over the app’s future.
The agreement, announced Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, includes structural and oversight provisions that U.S. officials said address national security concerns over the app’s Chinese ownership. Specific details of the arrangement were not immediately disclosed, but the deal is expected to include new safeguards for user data and transparency requirements for TikTok’s operations in the United States.
President Donald Trump, attending trade talks in Europe, highlighted the outcome in a social media post. “The big Trade Meeting in Europe between The United States of America, and China, has gone VERY WELL! It will be concluding shortly. A deal was also reached on a ‘certain’ company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save. They will be very happy! I will be speaking to President Xi on Friday. The relationship remains a very strong one!!!” Trump wrote.
“The big Trade Meeting in Europe between The United States of America, and China, has gone VERY WELL! It will be concluding shortly. A deal was also reached on a ‘certain’ company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save…” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/EPLLGU5NhQ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 15, 2025
The Biden administration had faced mounting pressure from lawmakers who warned the popular short-form video platform posed risks of data exploitation or propaganda. The app, which has more than 170 million users nationwide, had been threatened with bans or forced divestiture.
The announcement was welcomed by TikTok creators and businesses that rely on the platform. “This is a relief,” said Michael Torres, a small business owner in Texas who uses TikTok for marketing. “Losing access would have crushed our sales.”
Officials said monitoring of TikTok’s compliance will continue and that the agreement does not prevent additional action if security concerns re-emerge.
China’s Response
Chinese officials confirmed progress, calling the agreement part of broader trade talks in Europe. Li Chenggang, China’s international trade representative, said both sides had reached a “basic framework consensus” to resolve TikTok-related issues cooperatively.
Wang Jingtao, deputy director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, described the negotiations as “candid, in-depth and constructive,” and emphasized that any final arrangement must be based on mutual respect and equal consultation.
China also signaled that elements of the deal, including licensing or oversight related to TikTok’s core technology, may be subject to review under Chinese law.
Background on the TikTok Dispute
Concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership, through its parent company ByteDance, have simmered for years.
- 2019–2020: The Trump administration first attempted to ban TikTok or force a U.S. sale, citing risks that user data could be accessed by Beijing. Court rulings blocked those executive orders.
- 2021–2023: The Biden administration continued scrutiny through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which began negotiations over data storage and access protections.
- 2023–2024: Congress advanced legislation to strengthen federal power over foreign-owned apps, and TikTok was banned from most government devices. Security officials pressed for stronger safeguards.
- 2025: Pressure mounted ahead of this week’s announcement, with lawmakers urging either a forced divestiture or binding security agreements.
Why Today’s Deal Matters
The agreement announced Monday represents the clearest attempt yet to resolve the dispute. While final details remain undisclosed, officials say it establishes a framework designed to keep TikTok operating in the United States while addressing national security concerns.
The deal offers relief for TikTok’s millions of U.S. users and creators, but it does not close the book on the issue. Federal agencies say they will continue to monitor TikTok’s compliance, leaving open the possibility of new restrictions if the company is found in violation.
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