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What Next | Daily News and Analysis

TBD | TikTok: Somehow Also Affected by the Tariffs

Apr 13, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Sapna Maheshwari, a New York Times reporter specializing in TikTok and technology, delves into the precarious state of TikTok amidst U.S.-China trade tensions. She highlights how recent tariffs have complicated its potential sale to a non-Chinese company, creating a race against time. The talk further explores national security concerns and shifting political views on TikTok under both the Trump and Biden administrations. As creators grapple with uncertainty, the future of the platform hangs in the balance.
25:19

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • TikTok's negotiations for a sale to a non-Chinese company faced significant hurdles due to Trump's new tariffs and deadline extensions.
  • Despite the geopolitical tensions and uncertainty about its ownership, TikTok continues to thrive, highlighting its resilience and market appeal.

Deep dives

The TikTok Deal Dilemma

TikTok was reportedly close to reaching a deal for its sale to a non-Chinese company, with a comprehensive agreement in place and initial investor support. However, President Trump's extension of the sale deadline by 75 days marked a significant turn, coinciding with the imposition of tariffs that derailed the negotiations. China's retaliatory tariffs complicated the situation further, leading to a withdrawal of cooperation regarding the sale. As a result, TikTok's future in the U.S. remained uncertain, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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