The White House has extended TikTok’s operational status, delaying the enforcement of a sale-or-ban law by 90 days. President Donald Trump is set to sign an Executive Order this week to facilitate this extension, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Trump has consistently expressed his desire for TikTok to remain functional for its 170 million users in the U.S., amidst growing concerns over data security linked to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
This extension marks the third delay since a law mandating TikTok’s ban unless sold was implemented five months ago. The measure was initially enforced on January 19, following its signing by former President Joe Biden. Despite the concerns, enforcement has been sporadically paused thanks to Trump’s directives, with a minimal blackout occurring earlier this year.
The extension is intended to allow the administration to work on a resolution that keeps TikTok operational while assuring users of their data safety. The app’s ongoing accessibility is significant, given the bipartisan legislation passed last year raising fears about the national security implications of its Chinese ownership.
In recent months, potential negotiations have been halted, particularly after Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, which complicated any potential agreements over TikTok’s sale. During a previous negotiation effort, plans were in place to transfer the app’s U.S. operations to American investors; however, those discussions did not come to fruition.
The Chinese government’s stance has also added complexities to the situation, as it has shown reluctance to approve any deals that would involve giving away TikTok’s proprietary algorithm. Nonetheless, cooperation between the U.S. and China appears to be evolving, with the recent easing of export controls, which may improve the chances of negotiating a deal concerning TikTok.
In parallel, Trump has indicated that he is optimistic about gaining approval from Chinese President Xi for a potential deal, stating, “I think we’ll get it.” The latest developments underscore TikTok’s position as a pivotal player in the current U.S.-China trade dynamics, as both countries continue to leverage economic ties amidst broader geopolitical tensions.