TikTok ban will be first test for Trump as dealmaker-in-chief

As Donald Trump prepares to take office, one of the first major tests of his skills as a dealmaker-in-chief will be the potential ban on TikTok. This challenge not only lands firmly in the lap of the incoming president but also presents a significant political opportunity. With tensions between the U.S. and China at a notable high, the fate of TikTok, a popular video-sharing app owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has become emblematic of broader issues surrounding national security, privacy, and digital influence. The controversy around TikTok centers on concerns that the Chinese government could access user data, posing risks to national security. This has led to calls for the app to be banned or for its U.S. operations to be divested to an American company. Trump's ability to navigate this complex issue will be an early indicator of how he plans to approach both domestic policy and international relations. Trump's reputation as a dealmaker suggests he might seek a solution that ensures the security of American users while also preserving the economic and competitive advantages that come with allowing innovative companies to operate in the U.S. This could involve negotiating stringent data protection measures, or overseeing a sale of TikTok's U.S. operations to an American firm. Successfully handling the TikTok issue could boost Trump's image as a leader capable of securing American interests while fostering growth and innovation. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Any decision will likely face scrutiny from multiple fronts, including Congress, business interests, and the