WSJ Tech News Briefing

TNB Tech Minute: Trump Announces TikTok Deal

Date: September 19, 2025
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This edition of the TNB Tech Minute spotlights three major developments in the tech and automotive sectors:

• Former President Trump’s announcement of a preliminary TikTok deal involving American investors and China’s Xi Jinping
• Porsche’s response to a slow electric vehicle market, including shifts in its product strategy
• Pony AI’s significant milestone on the path to robotaxi profitability

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Announces Preliminary TikTok Deal

[00:31 – 01:19]

• Main News:

  • President Trump announced a preliminary agreement with China’s Xi Jinping.
  • The deal would have a group of American investors take control over TikTok’s US operations.
  • The new entity would continue using TikTok’s algorithms and technology, licensed from Chinese parent ByteDance.

• Legal & Political Uncertainty:

  • "Details of the deal haven't been publicly released, and White House officials, as well as people familiar with the discussion, say many of its finer points and legal issues still need to be worked out before it's finalized."
    — Julie Chang [00:53]

• Looking Forward:

  • Trump and Xi are expected to meet at a summit in the fall to potentially finalize the agreement.

2. Porsche Shifts Electric Vehicle Strategy

[01:19 – 01:43]

• Challenges:

  • Porsche has again cut its guidance for the year due to:
    • A sluggish electric vehicle market
    • Fierce competition from China
    • Impact from President Trump’s tariffs

• Corporate Response:

  • Porsche is reviewing its product strategy and delaying new EV launches.
  • Upcoming models will instead be offered as combustion engines or plug-in hybrids.

3. Pony AI Nears Robotaxi Profitability

[01:43 – 02:10]

• Milestone:

  • Pony AI, the Chinese autonomous taxi firm, is on track to hit "single unit economics breakeven" by early 2026.
  • That means each new vehicle added to the fleet is expected to generate a profit.

• Scale & Growth:

  • Pony AI has produced 400 robotaxis and targets deploying 1,000 worldwide by year-end.

• Outlook:

  • “After breaking even, the company can more aggressively increase its fleet size.”
    — Julie Chang [01:56]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Legal Uncertainty Around TikTok Deal:

  "Details of the deal haven't been publicly released, and White House officials, as well as people familiar with the discussion, say many of its finer points and legal issues still need to be worked out before it's finalized."
  – Julie Chang [00:53]

• Pony AI’s Growth Trajectory:

  “After breaking even, the company can more aggressively increase its fleet size.”
  – Julie Chang [01:56]

Important Segment Timestamps

• TikTok Deal Announcement: [00:31 – 01:19]
• Porsche’s EV Market Struggles: [01:19 – 01:43]
• Pony AI’s Profit Target and Expansion: [01:43 – 02:10]

Tone & Style

The episode delivers concise, factual reporting with a neutral, informative tone—typical of WSJ. Julie Chang provides context and analysis without speculation, staying focused on news and industry impacts.