Trump Says ‘Young People Of TikTok’ Owe Him For Saving The Popular APP

Trump claimed personal credit for preserving TikTok in the U.S, stating that “To all of those young people of TikTok, I saved TikTok, so you owe me big.” He further added that, “Now you’re looking at me in the Oval Office, and someday one of you is going to be sitting right at this desk and you’re going to be doing a great job.” 

The TikTok ownership dispute has been ongoing in the U.S. due to security concerns, as ByteDance, a Chinese company, initially owned TikTok. The U.S. government compelled the owner company to either sell the U.S. operational part to U.S. investors or face a complete ban in the U.S. Trump delayed the final enforcement of 2024’s bipartisan law as he took office in 2025. Later, he presented his political and financial allies as investors to buy TikTok in the U.S.

The Executive Order and Ownership Restructuring

According to Trump’s 2020 executive order, “These risks are real,” the order said. “This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans’ personal and proprietary information.” Further added that “Potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.”

The agreement was signed between U.S. investors and the Chinese company on September 25. The key terms of the agreement included: 

• The majority control transferred to the U.S.-based investors (Oracle, Silver Lake Partners).
• ByteDance retains a limited, non-security-related stake.
• Oracle to oversee TikTok’s algorithm and data security.

According to U.S official statements, “Oracle, a U.S.-based technology firm helmed by Ellison, would be in charge of inspecting and monitoring TikTok’s algorithm to make sure it’s not used for any ‘malicious purpose.’” 

Similarly, JD Vance stated that “The new U.S. venture will be valued at $14 billion.” The final ownership is still pending. It is expected to be finalized in early 2026. 

Political Tactic and Youth Engagement

Analysts see this trump deal as a revenge tool against his political opponents. All the TikTok U.S buyers are close to Mr Trump. They also attribute it to Trump’s broader appeal to Gen Z voters. However, JD Vance, who is the vice president of the United States, reactivated his TikTok account and stated that “I got a little lazy the last few months; I was focused on the job of being VP and not on TikTok.” 

 He further added that “So follow along, we’ll update you on what’s going on in the White House, business of state; we’ll update you on what’s going on politically.”  

Reactions and Implications

The U.S. public has a mix of responses. Some view the whole scenario from a political angle, while others consider it a good move to address the United States’ national security concerns. 

However, this ownership will set the potential precedent for other tech platforms regarding how to work in the U.S. It will also teach other countries’ governments how to preserve national security. 

A Reuters report says that “TikTok’s current owners, Chinese tech company ByteDance, would have a ‘bigger-than-expected role’ in the new venture.” 

According to Newsweek’s analysis, “The agreement was developed against the backdrop of bipartisan legislation, championed by both former President Biden and President Trump.”