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President Trump said Friday that he plans to ban Chinese video app TikTok as soon as Saturday, via either executive order or emergency economic powers, according to White House press pool comments. 

Why it matters: TikTok has been caught in the crossfires of the United States' escalating tensions with China. 

"As far as TikTok is concerned we’re banning them from the United States. ... Well, I have that authority. I can do it with an executive order or [emergency economic powers]."

Earlier on Friday, reports emerged that Microsoft is in talks to potentially acquire TikTok from its parent company, Bytedance (a group of investors has also reportedly made a bid). 

Yes, but: The president made it clear during his comments that he's not in favor of such a deal that would result in the company having American ownership (a process that would be subject to review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States).  

Trump says he wants to ban TikTok app

The move could be announced as soon as Saturday.

Illustration of the Chinese flag with the stars rendered in TikTok's logo style.

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President Trump said Friday that he plans to ban Chinese video app TikTok as soon as Saturday, via either executive order or emergency economic powers, according to White House press pool comments. Why it matters: TikTok has been caught in the crossfires of the United States&#x27; escalating tensions with China.

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Trump says he wants to ban TikTok app

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