TikTok will remain operational in the United States for at least three more months after President Donald Trump announced he will extend the deadline for the Chinese-owned app to sell its U.S. operations to an American buyer. This marks the third extension since Trump returned to office, with the original ban deadline set for January.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the extension on Tuesday, saying Trump would sign a new Executive Order this week. “This 90-day extension ensures that the deal to transfer TikTok’s U.S. assets can be finalized so that Americans can continue to enjoy the platform safely,” she said.
The popular short-video platform, owned by China’s ByteDance, has long faced scrutiny in the U.S. over concerns it could be used for spying and political interference. Despite a law passed by Congress and signed by then-President Joe Biden mandating the sale or ban of TikTok, Trump’s latest move appears to sidestep the bipartisan directive.
Speaking to the BBC, Trump indicated confidence that a deal would ultimately be approved by both the U.S. and Chinese governments. “We’ll probably have to get China approval. I think we’ll get it. I think President Xi will ultimately approve it,” he said, asserting that he has the legal authority to extend the deadline.
Trump’s move has sparked both praise and criticism. While TikTok briefly went offline before his inauguration, the platform quickly praised the new president for restoring access. Trump, in turn, credited TikTok with helping him win over younger voters in the 2024 election—even though data showed most youth supported Kamala Harris.
Tech analyst Kelsey Chickering dismissed the possibility of an imminent ban, noting TikTok’s recent innovations like AI video tools unveiled at Cannes. “There is nothing ‘looming’ about a TikTok ban anymore,” she said.
Several buyers have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations, including Oracle, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, billionaire Frank McCourt, and even YouTube sensation MrBeast.
While talks continue, Trump’s extension buys ByteDance time though whether a final deal will satisfy both U.S. lawmakers and Chinese regulators remains uncertain.
