MADRID – TikTok may have dodged its final curtain call, thanks to a framework deal hammered out between U.S. and Chinese negotiators. But let’s be clear—this isn’t about saving dances and cat videos. This is about America’s national security, and President Trump once again proved he’s the only one willing to put America first.
After Congress passed a law banning TikTok and other apps owned by foreign adversaries—signed by Joe Biden, who finally managed to stumble into doing something right—the Chinese parent company ByteDance flat-out refused to sell. Typical. They thought they could outwait Washington. Then Trump walked back into the White House, and suddenly deadlines started to matter.
U.S. negotiator Bessent announced, “The framework for a switch to a U.S.-controlled ownership” has been agreed to after two days of tough talks in Madrid. In other words, Trump’s team forced Beijing to the table. Without this deal, TikTok was set to go dark in America as early as Wednesday.
China, of course, came in swinging for “aggressive concessions” on trade and technology. But as Treasury officials made clear: “We are not willing to sacrifice national security for a social media app.” Exactly the kind of common sense missing under Biden’s administration.
President Trump himself confirmed the progress on Truth Social: “The big Trade Meeting in Europe between The United States of America and China, has gone VERY WELL! … 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! … The relationship remains a very strong one!!!”
Here’s the reality: Trump gave extensions—75 days in January, another 75 in April, and 90 in June—not because he was weak, but because he was playing the long game. That’s called deal-making. And now, it’s paying off.
On Friday, Trump and Xi Jinping will finalize the agreement. That’s America leading from strength, forcing the Chinese Communist Party to blink first. And while TikTok users celebrate keeping their app, the bigger win is this: America didn’t bend. National security stayed front and center, and Trump showed once again why he’s the master negotiator.
So yes, your favorite app might survive—but more importantly, so will America’s backbone. And that’s the real victory here.
