President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for the sale of TikTok in the United States by another 90 days, pushing the new date to 17 September 2025.
The video-sharing app, owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance, has been at the center of a national security debate. A law passed last year requires TikTok to be sold to an American buyer or face a ban. Lawmakers have raised concerns that TikTok could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government—allegations the platform has consistently denied.
TikTok’s Response and Ongoing Negotiations
In a statement, TikTok expressed gratitude for Trump’s decision, stating, “We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership and support in keeping the app available to our 170 million US users.” The company added that it continues to work closely with Vice President Vance’s office on a resolution.
The extension marks the third delay in this drawn-out process, with the sale now hinging on approval from Beijing authorities, who are expected to play a decisive role in any deal involving ByteDance.
The Politics of TikTok
Trump’s relationship with TikTok has shifted dramatically over time. Initially pushing for its sale during his first term, he later credited the platform for helping him secure a second term in office.
“I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points,” Trump said in December, despite most young voters backing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
The law mandating TikTok’s sale or ban was originally set to take effect in January, just before Trump’s second inauguration. However, TikTok challenged the law in court, and the Supreme Court upheld it mere days before enforcement was due to begin.
A Divisive Decision
While Trump’s executive order postponing the ban aims to ensure the completion of a sale, it has sparked criticism from lawmakers.
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D) accused the administration of undermining national security. “Once again, the Trump administration is flouting the law and ignoring its own findings about the risks posed by a PRC-controlled TikTok,” Warner said in a statement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding users’ data. “This extension ensures the deal is closed so the American people can continue to use TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe and secure,” she said.
As negotiations continue, the future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain, with millions of users and policymakers alike watching closely.Tools
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