Trump Orders Chinese Parent Company ByteDance to Sell TikTok in 90 Days
President Trump issues an executive order requiring ByteDance to divest its US TikTok operations and destroy American user data due to national security concerns. Microsoft remains the leading potential buyer for the popular social video app.
President Donald Trump issues an executive order directing ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest its interest in the app's US operations within 90 days. The order cites credible evidence that ByteDance threatens to impair the national security of the United States following its acquisition of Musical.ly. This directive represents the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and the popular video-sharing platform.
The order specifically mandates ByteDance to destroy all data obtained from US TikTok users and notify the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US upon completion. ByteDance must certify its compliance on a weekly basis, and the committee has the authority to allow US government employees access to all domestic facilities of ByteDance and TikTok. Attorney General William Barr holds the power to take any necessary steps to enforce these strict requirements.
As TikTok fights to maintain its American presence, Microsoft emerges as a potential buyer following discussions between CEO Satya Nadella and President Trump. Although the tech giant has recently shifted its focus toward business customers rather than consumers, analysts believe acquiring TikTok is highly worthwhile due to the app's massive popularity in Western countries. The order explicitly requires ByteDance to notify the committee of any intended sale to ensure the buyer is a US citizen or US-owned entity.