Trump’s Tough Trade Tactics Put Beijing on Defense Over major Deal
President Donald J. Trump has once again proven that strong leadership works—this time by forcing China to the negotiating table over the future of TikTok in the United States.
Speaking to reporters late Friday, President Trump revealed that talks with China are expected to begin early next week. “We pretty much have a deal,” he said. “I think we’re going to start Monday or Tuesday—maybe with President Xi himself, or someone close to him.”
The sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations has been a point of tension in ongoing trade discussions. While a buyer is reportedly lined up, the final hurdle remains approval from China’s communist regime.
TikTok Held Hostage by Beijing
According to senior White House sources, China is deliberately using TikTok as leverage—hoping to extract trade concessions before approving the sale. The app has become a strategic pawn for Beijing, aware that President Trump wants to keep the platform running for American users, under American control.
This standoff comes after President Trump extended a deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest its U.S. assets. The new deadline, set for September 17, marks the third extension since Trump retook the White House in January.
Trump’s Trade Crackdown Worked
Back in April, a group of American tech investors had been preparing to buy TikTok’s U.S. operations. However, those plans were put on hold when President Trump hit China with 145% tariffs on imported goods—sending a strong message that unfair trade would no longer be tolerated.
The tariffs have since been recalibrated as both sides resume broader trade negotiations—but the point was made: America is no longer playing by China’s rules.
When asked if he believes the Chinese government will greenlight the deal, Trump responded, “I’m not confident, but I think so. President Xi and I have a very strong relationship. It’s a good deal for them—and a better deal for us.”
Biden Signed It—Trump Acted on It
In 2024, under President Biden, Congress passed a bipartisan bill requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a nationwide ban. The bill passed 79-18 in the Senate and 360-58 in the House. Biden signed it—but never acted.
On Day One, President Trump halted the ban, giving ByteDance 75 days to negotiate a sale and prevent disruption for millions of U.S. users. Since then, he’s extended the deadline twice more—balancing national security with business freedom.
Standing Up to Big Tech and Beijing
While Trump was once skeptical of TikTok due to concerns over Chinese surveillance, he changed course after major U.S.-based tech platforms—Facebook, Twitter, and Google-owned YouTube—banned him in the wake of January 6, 2021. Since then, Trump has been vocal about protecting free speech and preventing foreign and domestic overreach in digital platforms.
Unlike Biden’s passive approach, Trump is making China answer to America again—putting pressure on Beijing while protecting American investors, consumers, and constitutional freedoms.
