U.S. Senator Demands Trump Explain His TikTok Divestment Plan

Washington, Nov. 24, 2025 — A U.S. Senator has called on former President Donald Trump to clarify how he plans to divest his ties to TikTok following national security concerns. According to the senator, Trump’s previous statements lack details on how the separation from the Chinese-owned social media platform would be structured, raising questions about valuation, buyer identity, and long-term governance.

The senator is pushing for transpar­ency on whether Trump would sell his stake to a U.S.-based company, or simply transfer control through a nominal “divestment” that still allows influence. Critics warn that without a credible buyer or clear mechanism, such a plan could leave TikTok under indirect Chinese influence, undermining the national-security justification for blocking or forcing sales.

Trump’s camp has previously floated the idea of a management-led buyout, but concrete financial backers and regulatory filings remain unclear. The senator argues that a vague commitment does not satisfy congressional or public scrutiny, particularly given TikTok’s role in data collection and potential influence operations.

As pressure mounts, the debate underscores broader tensions in Washington over how to handle Chinese tech companies operating in the U.S. market. The senator has urged Trump to provide a detailed divestment strategy publicly and voluntarily engage with regulators to ensure a credible transition.