• Former President Donald Trump states TikTok has "tremendous value," marking a shift from his previous stance on the platform.
  • A framework deal has been reached allowing TikTok to continue US operations under US-controlled ownership, pending final talks.
  • The enforcement deadline for a potential ban has been officially extended to at least December 16, 2025.

Former President Donald Trump has publicly stated that TikTok holds "tremendous value," a significant shift in rhetoric that coincides with a major development in the long-running saga over the app's US operations. According to people familiar with the matter, US and Chinese negotiators have reached a preliminary framework agreement that would permit TikTok to continue operating stateside under a US-controlled ownership structure.

The deal, which is contingent on final talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, represents the most concrete progress toward a resolution after years of national security concerns and legal battles. The breakthrough has prompted the White House to formally extend the enforcement deadline of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, pushing a potential ban to at least December 16, 2025.

Trump’s comments, which highlight the platform's economic and cultural impact, signal a potential softening of the US position as complex negotiations enter a critical phase. The framework reportedly involves significant operational changes to how US user data is managed and oversight mechanisms to alleviate security concerns raised by US intelligence officials. A spokesperson for the negotiating team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Despite the progress, significant hurdles remain. Congressional hawks continue to express deep skepticism about any arrangement that leaves ByteDance, TikTok's Beijing-based parent company, with any form of ownership or influence. The outcome is also tightly interwoven with broader US-China trade and technology discussions, with China seeking reciprocal concessions in other areas.

For the millions of American users, creators, and advertisers who rely on the platform, the extension and news of a potential deal provide a measure of relief, though the situation remains fluid. The app's fate continues to be a central flashpoint in the wider technological decoupling between the world's two largest economies.