Trump Extends TikTok Deadline Amid Security Concerns
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has labeled the national security and privacy concerns surrounding TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, as “highly overrated.” He announced on Friday that he plans to keep extending the deadline for a sale of the popular video-sharing app until a buyer can be found.
Recently, Congress passed a ban on TikTok unless ByteDance relinquishes its controlling stake. Despite this, Trump has extended the deadline three times since taking office, with the next extension set for September 17.
“We’re gonna watch the security concerns,” Trump told reporters. However, he reassured that “we have buyers, American buyers,” and emphasized the need for more time to navigate the complexities of the deal.
The first extension came on January 20, his first day in office, following a brief shutdown of TikTok when a national ban approved by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court was implemented. The second extension happened in April when White House officials believed they were close to finalizing a deal to turn TikTok into a U.S.-owned entity, which ultimately fell through after China backed out due to Trump’s tariff announcements.
Interestingly, the White House recently set up its own TikTok account, reflecting Trump’s earlier use of the platform during his campaign. “I’m a fan of TikTok,” he remarked, noting that both his children and many young people enjoy using the app.
As the extensions continue, the likelihood of a TikTok ban in the U.S. seems to be fading. While the administration’s decision to keep TikTok operational through executive orders has drawn some criticism, they have yet to face legal challenges in court, unlike several other executive actions.
Public opinion on TikTok is increasingly divided. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center indicated a decline in support for a TikTok ban, with only about one-third of Americans in favor, down from 50% in March 2023. Among those supporting a ban, concerns regarding user data security were the primary reason cited by about 80%.
As discussions about TikTok move forward, it’s clear that opinions and circumstances are evolving, reflecting broader conversations about technology and privacy in our society.
