Trump Sets to Extend Tiktok Deadline Again, Allowing App to Remain in U.S

Trump Set to Extend TikTok Deadline Again, Allowing App to Remain in U.S.

TikTok will continue operating in the United States for at least another three months, as President Donald Trump plans to extend the deadline for a sale or ban, the White House confirmed on Tuesday.

“President Trump will sign an additional Executive Order this week to keep TikTok up and running,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. This marks the third extension since Trump returned to office earlier this year.

The Chinese-owned app was previously set to be banned after its parent company, ByteDance, failed to meet a U.S. deadline to sell its operations to an American buyer. TikTok and ByteDance have not commented on the latest development.

Leavitt said the 90-day extension aims to “ensure this deal is closed so that the American people can continue to use TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe and secure.”

Speaking to the BBC, Trump suggested the extension was likely, noting, “We’ll probably have to get China’s approval. I think we’ll get it. I think President Xi will ultimately approve it.” He also insisted the U.S. has the legal authority to extend the deadline.

Trump’s move puts him at odds with Congress, which passed legislation last year mandating a sale or ban of TikTok over national security concerns. President Joe Biden signed that bill into law before leaving office. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law in January, just ahead of Trump’s inauguration.

TikTok briefly went offline for a few hours during inauguration weekend but resumed operations soon after, with the company publicly thanking Trump for allowing its return.

While Trump attempted a forced sale of TikTok during his first term in 2020, he has since softened his stance. In December, he credited the app for helping him win over young voters in the 2024 election, saying, “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok.”

Industry experts now question whether a ban will ever happen. “There is nothing ‘looming’ about a potential TikTok ban anymore,” said Forrester analyst Kelsey Chickering. “TikTok’s confident rollout of new AI video tools in Cannes shows they’re not worried.”

The Trump administration previously stated that a deal was near, which would give American investors majority control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. However, ByteDance has said any agreement must comply with Chinese regulations.

Oracle, co-founded by Trump ally Larry Ellison, remains a possible buyer. Other interested parties include billionaire Frank McCourt, investor Kevin O’Leary, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, and YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), who is reportedly part of a separate investor group.