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The White House released a message today on its X account proclaiming that "your favorite president saved TikTok," following the formalization of the executive order signed by Donald Trump to ensure the application's continuity in the United States under new conditions.
The day before, the president signed an executive order that will allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States under local capital control, with a model that strengthens its business allies and raises questions about the platform's editorial independence.
The plan, revealed by the agency AP, involves separating TikTok's operations in the U.S. from its Chinese parent company ByteDance and transferring majority control to a consortium of U.S. investors, led by Oracle and Silver Lake Partners.
ByteDance would retain a minority stake of 20% or less.
Vice President James David Vance stated that the new model will allow “American investors to control the algorithm” that determines what users consume.
The board of directors will be dominated by Americans, while the Chinese representative will be excluded from the security committees.
Among the main partners are notable figures with business and political ties to Trump, such as Larry Ellison, Rupert Murdoch, and Michael Dell, raising questions about potential political interference in the editorial management of the app.
Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation warned that the key issue is not whether TikTok will be “100% MAGA,” as Trump joked, but rather how criticism of the president and his allies will be managed on the platform.
According to the administration, the algorithm will be replicated and retrained with exclusively American data to eliminate any risk of influence from Beijing.
Although no evidence of manipulation by China has been presented, lawmakers from both parties defended the separation of ByteDance as a national security measure.
Trump, who during his first term threatened to ban the app if it did not separate from China, has moderated his stance in recent years and acknowledged that TikTok was crucial to connect with the youth vote in 2024.
Trump has an account on that social network since June 2024, when he was not yet president, while the White House launched its account last August.
The executive order now reflects an attempt to balance political and national security interests amid technological tensions with the Asian giant.
Experts warn that changes to the algorithm could alter the user experience and erode the popularity of the application.
For international analysts, China conceded because TikTok has ceased to be a “disruptive strategic asset” and has become a negotiable item in the trade standoff with Washington, while prioritizing sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
The new legal framework redefines the control of the most popular social network among American youth and marks another chapter in the technological battle between Washington and Beijing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Executive Order and TikTok in the United States
How did Donald Trump save TikTok in the United States?
Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing TikTok to continue operating in the United States under local capital control. This means the app will separate from its Chinese parent company ByteDance and will be mostly under the control of American investors, such as Oracle and Silver Lake Partners.
What changes will be implemented on TikTok following Trump's executive order?
The control of TikTok's algorithm will be transferred to U.S. investors, and its operations in the U.S. will be overseen by a board dominated by Americans. These changes aim to ensure national security and reduce Beijing's influence on the platform.
Why did Trump decide not to ban TikTok in the United States?
Trump moderated his initial stance because TikTok was key to reaching young voters in 2024. Additionally, an agreement was reached that ensures national security by transferring control to U.S. companies, thus avoiding a ban on the app.
What implications does the involvement of Oracle and Silver Lake Partners in TikTok have?
Oracle and Silver Lake Partners will lead the consortium of American investors that will control TikTok in the U.S. This raises questions about potential political interference, given that some of its members have business and political ties to Trump.
What does China think about the TikTok agreement in the United States?
China has yielded to the agreement as TikTok is no longer considered a "disruptive strategic asset" for Beijing. However, the Asian country prioritizes other sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors in its trade competition with Washington.
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