What Next | Daily News and Analysis TBD | TikTok: Somehow Also Affected by the Tariffs
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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.
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TikTok's Near-Sale Disrupted
- TikTok was close to being sold to a non-Chinese company to avoid a US ban.
- Trump's tariff plans disrupted the deal, leading China to pull out.
TikTok's Uncertain Future
- TikTok's situation is uncertain, with repeated cycles of potential bans and sales.
- The Trump administration's intentions are unclear, potentially aiming for a ban while blaming China.
TikTok's Sale Saga
- In 2020, Trump raised national security concerns about TikTok's Chinese ownership, pushing for a sale to US companies.
- A deal involving Walmart and Oracle was announced, but later shelved under the Biden administration.