TikTok service status reports and news outlets

Trump Proposes 50% U.S. Stake in TikTok Joint Venture, Says App Worthless Without Approval

Jan 21, 2025, 01:04 AM

President Donald Trump has proposed that the United States take a 50% ownership stake in TikTok as part of a joint venture, allowing the popular social media platform to continue operating in the country. Trump stated that "TikTok is worthless if I don't approve it," emphasizing that without U.S. approval, the app would have to shut down. He added that "the approval gives it value," potentially making TikTok worth "a trillion dollars." Trump suggested that the U.S. should be "entitled to 50% as a country," and that the government could "police it a little bit or a lot." Reporters questioned how the U.S. would acquire this stake, to which Trump responded that the U.S. would be paid half of the value of TikTok for allowing it to continue operations. TikTok reportedly expressed gratitude for the announcement and indicated plans to restore service in the U.S.