Trump Extends TikTok Deadline Amid Ongoing Negotiations for U.S. Ownership
In West Palm Beach, Florida, President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will sign an executive order to keep TikTok operational in the United States for an additional 75 days. This extension aims to provide his administration with more time to negotiate a deal that would transfer ownership of the popular social media platform from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to an American entity.
Previously, Congress mandated that TikTok must divest from its Chinese ownership by January 19 or face a ban due to national security concerns. However, Trump has taken unilateral action to push the deadline back, looking to reach an agreement that allows the app to continue its services. He has reportedly received numerous proposals from U.S. companies interested in acquiring a part of TikTok. Nonetheless, ByteDance has maintained that the platform, along with its critical algorithm, is not for sale.
“We are working hard on a deal to save TikTok, and we have made significant progress,” Trump stated on his social media platform. He added that the executive order would enable further negotiations to ensure all necessary approvals are obtained.
A representative for ByteDance confirmed that discussions with the U.S. government are ongoing but clarified that no definitive agreement has been reached, highlighting that any deal would require compliance with Chinese law.
TikTok has its headquarters in both Singapore and Los Angeles, and it has previously claimed that it prioritizes the safety of its users. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has asserted that it has never requested companies to collect or share data from other countries.
Trump’s latest move marks another delay in the enforcement of a law that prohibits TikTok’s services, passed with bipartisan support in Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court due to security concerns. Critics argue that if TikTok’s algorithm remains under the control of ByteDance, the national security issues related to the platform will still be valid.
Chris Pierson, the CEO of a cybersecurity firm, emphasized that if the algorithm stays with ByteDance, it continues to be vulnerable to potential misuse by a foreign adversary. He noted, “The control of data and algorithms is at the heart of the issue. Without change in those areas, the risks remain.”
While President Trump’s executive orders have led to numerous legal challenges during his time in office, the extension of the TikTok ban has not provoked significant opposition. Legal experts note that Trump’s move may violate existing laws, as he has unilaterally decided not to enforce the ban without an approved plan, thus leading to concerns about its legality.
Public sentiment on TikTok appears to be shifting, as highlighted in a recent Pew Research survey showing a decline in support for a ban on the app. About one-third of Americans now favor prohibiting TikTok, a drop from 50% in earlier surveys. Many cite data security concerns as a reason for their stance.
Terrell Wade, a popular content creator on TikTok, expressed relief at the extension but admitted that the ongoing uncertainty is tiring. “Every new deadline feels less urgent and more like background noise,” he remarked. He continues to diversify his presence across other social media platforms as he awaits more clarity on the situation.
As negotiations continue, many Americans are hoping for a resolution that allows creators and users to focus on content rather than the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future.
