The Journal. Is the TikTok Saga Finally Over?
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Sep 17, 2025 Join Alex Leary, a political reporter for The Wall Street Journal, as he dives into the latest TikTok saga marked by national security debates and U.S.-China negotiations. He explains the proposed framework allowing an American group to control TikTok while addressing concerns over ByteDance's algorithm. Leary reveals who stands to benefit from the deal and discusses the political implications of TikTok's survival leading up to crucial elections. Tune in for insights on a potential game-changing agreement!
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Framework, Not A Finished Deal
- Negotiations in Madrid produced a framework, not a finished deal, to avert a U.S. TikTok shutdown today, Sept 17.
- Alex Leary warns many details remain unresolved and the framework only outlines possible terms.
Algorithm Is The Core Security Concern
- U.S. national-security worries center on ByteDance's Chinese ties and TikTok's powerful recommendation algorithm.
- Alex Leary says the algorithm can be used to promote views or manipulate users, which fuels policymakers' concerns.
Trump's Shift After Seeing Youth Power
- Alex recounts political calculus shifting when Trump saw TikTok's youth influence and adopted a friendlier stance.
- He describes advisers and even Barron Trump encouraging Trump to embrace the platform for political reach.