TikTok Ban Blocked: Trump Backs U.S. Investor Takeover

TikTok has officially avoided a U.S. ban. After months of uncertainty, President Donald Trump confirmed a deal that allows TikTok to continue operating in the United States under majority American ownership. For its 170+ million American users, this means the app isn’t going anywhere, at least for now.

Who Owns TikTok Now?

The U.S. buyer group is led by Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz, with additional participation expected from Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, and Michael Dell. Together, U.S. investors will hold about 80% ownership of TikTok’s U.S. operations. ByteDance, the China-based parent company, will retain a minority stake of less than 20%.

The inclusion of the Murdoch family and Michael Dell adds a new layer of intrigue. Notably, Trump is currently suing Rupert Murdoch over The Wall Street Journal's coverage of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, yet he still touted the Murdochs’ involvement in the TikTok deal.

As part of the deal:

• Oracle will store U.S. user data and be responsible for security oversight.

• ByteDance’s algorithm will continue under a licensed model.

• U.S. regulators will gain expanded oversight over TikTok’s operations.

Trump praised the outcome, calling it a “win for American security and jobs.”

How the Deal Works

One key change for users is the requirement to download a new version of the TikTok app once the U.S. entity is finalized. This new app will be tied to the American-owned operation, ensuring data and operations are fully separated from ByteDance’s Chinese infrastructure. Current versions of TikTok will eventually stop working in the U.S., meaning users and creators will need to migrate to the updated app.

This move mirrors strategies seen in past tech divestiture deals, ensuring compliance with new ownership while maintaining user experience. For advertisers and creators, campaigns and content will continue, but some migration and technical updates may be required.

Why This Matters

The deal addresses years of national security concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ties and prevents a forced shutdown of one of America’s most popular apps. The deal also preserves a platform central to American culture, small business growth, and digital advertising. 

What’s Next

While the White House says the deal could be finalized “in the coming days,” questions remain about the exact structure, price, and leadership of the new U.S.-based TikTok entity. Still, the move sets a precedent for how the U.S. may handle other foreign-owned platforms that spark security debates.

For now, TikTok lives on—under new American control, but with a fresh app download in the near future.

TikTok U.S. Deal FAQ

Do I need to download a new TikTok app?
Yes. Once the deal is finalized, U.S. users will have to download a new version of TikTok tied to the American-owned entity. The current version will eventually stop working in the U.S.

Will my account transfer to the new TikTok app?
Yes, your account, content, and followers will be migrated to the new app version; however, users should expect an update or download prompt.

Who owns TikTok in the U.S. now?
A consortium led by Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz, with additional participation expected from Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, and Michael Dell. ByteDance will retain less than 20%.

Is TikTok still connected to China?
ByteDance will hold a small minority stake and license its recommendation algorithm, but U.S. entities will control data storage and oversight.