US-China TikTok deal in the works, 'framework reached'

(NewsNation) — The United States has the "framework" of a deal in place to allow social media app TikTok to continue operating in the country, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The announcement came days before a deadline that would have rendered the app unavailable to millions of U.S. users in order to comply with legislation passed last year.

President Donald Trump announced a deal had been reached shortly before Bessent's comments, referring to a "popular app" that "young people" wanted to save.

Trump has extended the deadline for China to sell the app multiple times in an effort to preserve it, a reversal of his previous stance.

A bipartisan law passed in 2024 banned the app unless Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance sold the platform to a U.S. owner.

Lawmakers cited security concerns, suggesting China was using the app to collect data on Americans and influence them. Some lawmakers also raised concerns about inappropriate content children might see on the app, though the type of content displayed on the app's "For You" page is determined by the user's activity.

TikTok has gained popularity for the accuracy of its algorithm, which surfaces content users might like based on their previous activity. It has also become a resource for small businesses, entrepreneurs and independent artists and writers who use the app's shop and creator program to earn an income.

Trends on the app have had real-world impacts ranging from risky online challenges that pose real-life danger to the revival of independent bookstores to a cottage cheese shortage thanks to viral recipes.

Trump initially joined other politicians in supporting a ban, consistent with his position that China is a main adversary of the U.S.

But after conservative social media influencers reached young people who helped Trump win back the White House in 2024, Trump reversed his position and stated he was in favor of saving the app.

TikTok has already moved American data collection to the U.S. as part of negotiations, but the app still faces a possible ban if ByteDance refuses to sell.