CNN 5 Things 6:35 PM ET: TikTok Signs Deal to Sell its US Assets
Dec 18, 2025
A groundbreaking deal has emerged for TikTok, allowing it to sell its U.S. assets backed by President Trump. This move comes as a response to new congressional laws mandating a separation from ByteDance to avoid a potential ban. Tune in for an insightful breakdown of the implications and what this means for the future of social media in America.
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TikTok Agrees To U.S. Asset Sale
- TikTok signed a deal backed by President Donald Trump to sell its U.S. assets to American investors.
- The CEO told employees the move advances TikTok's ability to secure its long-term U.S. future.
Sale Aims To Avoid U.S. Ban
- The transaction is not yet complete but moves TikTok closer to long-term survival in the U.S.
- This follows a law requiring the U.S. version to spin off from ByteDance or face a ban.
Legislation Drove The Sale Deadline
- A law passed last year forced TikTok's U.S. spin-off or a ban as the legal backdrop.
- The sale responds directly to that legislative requirement affecting ByteDance.