Here's the big news: The TikTok deal announced by the U.S. government won’t involve a 'golden share' or equity stake for American investors—a major shift from previous negotiations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the agreement ensures TikTok’s algorithms and data will remain under American control, with the company’s U.S. operations managed through a new joint venture led by a board of directors where Americans hold a majority of seats. But here’s where it gets controversial: the federal government won’t take an ownership stake in TikTok, a move that has sparked debate over how much influence the U.S. truly has over the platform.
This isn’t just about control—it’s about trust. The deal hinges on a partnership with Oracle, a tech giant, to oversee TikTok’s security, which many see as a compromise to reassure both the public and lawmakers. President Trump, who has long supported TikTok despite its Chinese parent company, will sign an executive order later this week to extend the deadline for TikTok to either sell its U.S. business or face a ban. This decision comes after months of tension, with the U.S. government pushing back against China’s influence in digital spaces.
And this is the part most people miss: the law requiring TikTok to divest or shut down in the U.S. passed with bipartisan support, driven by concerns over national security and data privacy. Yet, the new deal seems to avoid the most contentious path—instead, it’s a middle ground that critics argue leaves too much room for Chinese oversight. Take, for example, the U.S. Steel 'golden share' deal, which gave the Trump administration veto power over key decisions. If this TikTok deal follows a similar model, it could set a dangerous precedent.
So, here’s the question: Does this agreement truly protect American interests, or is it just another way to manage a global tech giant? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
