Can Trump Turn TikTok MAGA?
prospect.org

... Last week, President Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss his interest in a deal to transfer majority ownership of TikTok to U.S.-based corporations. Although China's Commerce Ministry said they would work with the U.S. in resolving issues related to the app, the meeting did not lead to a final pact or provide more clarity about the future of TikTok just yet.

But Trump is keen to attract young Americans to the MAGA banner by positioning himself as the liberator of their beloved app. After he signed Executive Order 14352, "Saving TikTok While Protecting National Security," at the end of September, he posted his own celebratory TikTok: "To all of those young people of TikTok, I saved TikTok, so you owe me big," Trump said. What does Trump's interest in TikTok mean for the future of the app -- and for young Americans -- if it comes under the sway of the White House?

After making the case that TikTok was a national-security threat, Trump did a 180 in the weeks leading up to his re-election. ...

Trump signs executive order facilitating TikTok deal (September 25, 2025)
www.nbcnews.com

... The deal will allow for these American investors to control the app's algorithm, Vance said. TikTok's unique algorithm, which curates the type of content users see in their feeds, made the app's For You page famous for its engagement-driven personalization that democratized virality and transformed online culture.

When asked whether he wants to see the new algorithm suggest more MAGA content, Trump told reporters, "I always like MAGA-related."

"If I could make it 100% MAGA, I would, but it's not going to work out that way, unfortunately," Trump said. "No, everyone's going to be treated fairly. Every group, every philosophy, every policy will be treated very fairly." ...