Trump Imposes New Tariffs, Moves to Reshape TikTok’s U.S. Future

WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 25, 2025

President Donald Trump has taken two major steps that could reshape both global trade and the future of one of the world’s most popular social media platforms.

On Thursday, Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs on imports and signed an executive order approving a proposed U.S. takeover of TikTok, setting the stage for a high-stakes realignment of economic and digital power.

TikTok Under U.S. Control

The White House confirmed that the president signed an order declaring a $14 billion TikTok divestiture plan compliant with U.S. national security requirements.

Under the deal, U.S. investors including Oracle, Silver Lake, Michael Dell, and Lachlan Murdoch would hold a controlling stake. TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, would be reduced to less than 20% ownership and limited to a single board seat.

One of the most sensitive elements of the agreement involves TikTok’s powerful algorithm. According to officials, the system will be retrained on U.S.-based data, with American security partners overseeing its governance to prevent foreign manipulation.

The order also extends by 120 days the deadline under a 2024 law requiring “foreign adversary controlled” apps to divest or face a U.S. ban. Without compliance, TikTok could have been forced off American app stores early next year.

Trump’s Tariff Push

Alongside the TikTok move, the president introduced a new wave of reciprocal tariffs targeting imports from countries with large trade surpluses or practices Washington views as unfair.

The measures range from 10% to as high as 50%, impacting products across multiple industries. In a notable shift, the administration has also revoked the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed shipments under $800 to enter the country tariff-free. Now, even low-value packages from overseas face duties.

Trump framed the tariffs as part of what he calls America’s push for “economic independence.” Supporters argue the policies will protect U.S. manufacturing and jobs, while critics warn of higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and potential retaliation from trading partners.

Political and Legal Battles

The TikTok deal falls under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, passed in 2024, which mandated a U.S. divestiture. Trump has already used executive authority multiple times to extend deadlines for compliance, buying time for negotiations.

Still, questions linger over ByteDance’s residual influence and whether China’s regulators will sign off on the arrangement. Beijing has warned that TikTok’s U.S. future must align with progress in trade talks.

On the trade side, Trump’s tariff authority is under judicial scrutiny. A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade suggested the White House may have exceeded its power under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, though appeals are ongoing.

Domestic and Global Reactions

The Justice Department insists the TikTok arrangement will safeguard American data and limit foreign control. Lawmakers from both parties, however, are preparing to scrutinize the final deal closely.

China has criticized the U.S. approach, warning that moves against its companies could spark countermeasures. Trade analysts say both the tariffs and TikTok restructuring underscore the tight link between tech policy and international diplomacy.

Meanwhile, industry experts caution that ordinary Americans could feel the pinch of tariffs through higher prices on imported goods, from electronics to everyday household items.

A Defining Moment

The dual announcements highlight the Trump administration’s strategy of pairing economic nationalism with digital security policy.

For TikTok, the next 120 days will determine whether the platform survives in its largest market. For global trade, the tariffs mark a new chapter in a long-running battle over market access, manufacturing dominance, and the future of globalization.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the administration is reshaping not just how Americans trade, but also how they connect, share, and communicate online.

See Also Automakers Pull Back EV Plans as Costs Rise, Demand Slows