Trump Grants 90-Day Extension for TikTok Sale in the US
On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced a further 90-day extension for TikTok to secure a sale to a non-Chinese buyer or face a ban across the United States. This marks the third postponement of the deadline initially set to restrict the popular social media app on national security grounds.
Through his Truth Social platform, Trump shared, "I've just signed the Executive Order extending the Deadline for the TikTok closing for 90 days (September 17, 2025)." This delay pushes back enforcement of a federal law aimed at compelling TikTok's owner, ByteDance, to divest its US operations or see the app banned.
TikTok Reacts Positively to the Latest Delay
TikTok welcomed the president's decision with gratitude. The company released a statement highlighting the significance of the extension for its more than 170 million American users, thanking Trump for supporting its continued presence in the US market.
Trump’s Complex Relationship with TikTok
Despite initial calls to ban or force the sale of TikTok, Trump has expressed a certain fondness for the platform. Earlier this year, he admitted to having a "little warm spot" for the app and conveyed openness to granting extensions if needed. The app also played a role in energizing younger voters during his 2024 campaign, which may explain his evolving stance.
National Security and the Digital Cold War
The federal government's concerns center on TikTok's Chinese ownership and the potential risks to American user data. TikTok's sale or ban was scheduled to take effect a day before Trump's inauguration in January 2025, but ByteDance had yet to identify a suitable buyer. This ongoing saga has become emblematic of heightened US-China tensions in technology, often described as a modern digital Cold War.
Experts emphasize the high stakes involved. As an assistant professor of information systems noted, TikTok symbolizes the intense rivalry over digital influence between the two nations.
Negotiations and Challenges Ahead
- Potential Buyers: Discussions have involved US investors like Oracle and Blackstone, who might reduce ByteDance’s stake in a newly independent TikTok company.
- Technical Concerns: TikTok’s valuable algorithm remains a core issue. Analysts compare the app without its algorithm to "Harry Potter without his wand", highlighting its critical role in TikTok’s success.
- Geopolitical Obstacles: Trump claims China’s objections partly stem from US tariffs, complicating the sale.
Amid these negotiations, TikTok continues to innovate, recently launching the "Symphony" AI suite, enabling advertisers to convert words or images into video snippets.
What Comes Next?
The administration is working to finalize a deal to safeguard user data while preserving TikTok’s availability for American users. While Trump seems less inclined to take aggressive action against the platform, the ongoing extensions underscore lingering uncertainties over the app’s future.
