This story appeared in The Logoff, a every day publication that helps you keep knowledgeable in regards to the Trump administration with out letting political information take over your life. Subscribe right here.
Welcome to The Logoff: The Trump administration says it has agreed on a deal that may let TikTok keep away from a US ban.
What’s the context? TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese language tech firm ByteDance, was speculated to be topic to a nationwide ban beginning in January 2025, after a deadline for ByteDance to promote the app — imposed by Congress in 2024 — handed unmet.
As an alternative, President Donald Trump has signed a collection of government orders punting on the ban. The most recent of these orders, in June, set the brand new deadline for September 17 — this Wednesday.
What does the deal say? We don’t know but, although any deal would require the sale of TikTok to a US-based proprietor. As is usually the case below Trump, the introduced deal is at present only a “framework,” in keeping with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Chinese language officers stated Monday that the 2 sides had reached a “primary consensus” on a deal.
Why did the US wish to ban TikTok within the first place? Concern about TikTok boils right down to a priority about Chinese language affect. ByteDance’s shut relationship with the Chinese language authorities, coupled with the app’s proprietary content material algorithm and huge attain — TikTok has about 170 million American customers — imply China might achieve entry to very large quantities of American knowledge or use TikTok to unfold propaganda.
Why does this matter? TikTok’s large consumer base within the US means a possible ban is a politically delicate subject, significantly with younger voters who’re turning into more and more electorally vital for each events.
What comes subsequent? It’s nonetheless potential Trump pushes the deadline for the ban again additional as phrases of the deal — if it holds — are finalized. For now, Trump stated he’s set to talk with Chinese language President Xi Jinping in regards to the deal on Friday.
And with that, it’s time to sign off…
It’s essentially the most fantastic time of the yr: The 2025 World Athletics Championships started over the weekend in Tokyo, Japan, which suggests 9 days of fantastic monitor and area motion. However the remainder of the schedule goes to have a tough time topping my favourite race of the meet up to now, from this morning (East Coast time, a minimum of — Tokyo is 16 hours forward).
Within the 3,000-meter steeplechase, the place runners soar over 4 limitations and one water soar per lap for seven and a half laps, New Zealand runner Geordie Beamish took a shocking win over double world champion and double Olympic gold medalist Soufiane El Bakkali. It’s the type of end it’s essential see to imagine, and you’ll watch it right here. Have an important night!
