In a striking blend of tech policy and international trade brinkmanship, President Donald Trump has signaled a potential deal with China—one that could tie the fate of TikTok in the U.S. to relief from the sweeping new tariffs his administration imposed this week.
Speaking to reporters on April 3 near Air Force One, Trump hinted that China may approve the sale of TikTok from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, in exchange for U.S. tariff concessions.
“You have a situation with TikTok where China will probably say: ‘We’ll approve a deal, but will you do something on the tariffs?’” Trump said. “We could use tariffs in order to get something in return.”
Trump’s remarks arrive just days ahead of an April 5 deadline that could determine TikTok’s future in the U.S. Congress has mandated that the app must either divest from Chinese ownership or face a nationwide ban, citing national security concerns. ByteDance has denied any improper ties to the Chinese government.
The TikTok Deadline Looms
With just hours left before the deadline, Trump said negotiations are “very close” to securing a buyer for TikTok’s U.S. operations. Several suitors have emerged—including Amazon and a consortium led by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely. Private equity powerhouse Blackstone is also reportedly in talks to join existing non-Chinese shareholders in financing a bid.
Vice President JD Vance echoed that sentiment in an April 3 interview on Fox News, saying a decision is imminent.
“It’ll come out before the deadline,” Vance said. “I think we’re in a good place… of course, we’re going to let the president announce whatever we ultimately decide.”
Tariffs as Leverage
The TikTok sale is unfolding against a backdrop of aggressive new trade measures. Just one day before his comments, Trump unveiled a fresh 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. trading partners, escalating to as high as 50% for select countries. China, in particular, is facing a staggering 54% total tariff on all goods entering the U.S.—the result of a new 34% reciprocal tariff stacked atop an existing 20% duty.
This aggressive tariff stance is central to Trump’s second-term trade doctrine: using economic pressure to secure strategic wins, including in tech and digital policy.
National Security and Data Privacy at the Core
U.S. officials have long raised alarms about TikTok’s data collection and its potential access by the Chinese government. Both ByteDance and TikTok have repeatedly denied allegations of espionage or improper data sharing.
Speaking to Fox News, Vice President Vance reaffirmed those concerns while acknowledging the platform’s cultural and informational significance—especially among younger Americans.
“You want to make sure the TikTok app in the United States is not spying on people. It’s good for national security,” Vance said.
“But you also want to give people access to this incredible platform… that’s where a lot of young people get their news.”
Pressure Mounts on Washington
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) made clear where he stands: if there’s no clean break from Beijing, the app should be banned immediately.
“It’s just a spying app for the Communist Chinese Party,” Hawley told reporters. “There needs to be a firewall, or TikTok needs to be shut down right now.”
As the deadline looms, the White House has yet to comment on any finalized sale or buyer. But with trade, technology, and geopolitics colliding, the coming days could reshape the digital landscape in America—and redefine the limits of presidential power in the global tech economy.
