Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump used TikTok as an example of how tariffs can be used to negotiate with other countries.

“You have a situation with TikTok where China will probably say: ‘We’ll approve a deal, but will you do something on the tariffs?’” Trump said. “We could use tariffs in order to get something in return.” TikTok faces an April 5 deadline to reach a deal to find a non-Chinese buyer under threat of being banned from the United States.

Trump said his administration is “very close” to reaching a deal on TikTok, with multiple investors involved.

Trump made the comments a day after he announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the United States and higher duties on some of the country’s biggest trading partners.

China now faces a 54% tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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