TikTok Ban Deadline ExtendedTikTok Ban Deadline Extended
Looks like TikTok isn't getting the boot just yet. President Donald Trump has once again pushed back the deadline for ByteDance (the China-based company behind TikTok) to sell off its U.S. operations. If you’ve been following the ongoing TikTok Trump saga, you know this has been quite the rollercoaster.
This most recent extension gives TikTok another 75 days to figure things out. The new deadline lands in mid-June, which means more time for all the negotiating, back-and-forth, and approval-signing that still needs to happen. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, saying the deal needs more work.
Trump to Extend TikTok Ban Enforcement Deadline to Continue Work On a Deal to Sell It
ByteDance has been in talks with the U.S. government to hammer out a sale or partnership for TikTok’s U.S. side of the business. According to the company, no agreement has been signed yet, and there are still a few major pieces that need to fall into place. Plus, any deal will need to pass Chinese law – and that’s no small hurdle.
This isn’t the first time Trump has stepped in. Back in January, right after returning to the White House, he signed a TikTok Trump executive order that delayed enforcement of a national security law passed under Biden.
That law required ByteDance to divest from TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a ban, and it gave the government the authority to penalize app stores and internet providers for supporting TikTok. But, Trump told the Attorney General not to enforce the law — at least, not yet.
App Stores, Shutdowns, and a Quick Comeback
Before Trump’s delay, the TikTok Trump ban was already causing ripples. Apple and Google pulled TikTok from their app stores, and the app briefly went dark in the U.S.
But, shortly after Trump signaled he would sign the executive order, TikTok popped back up on both platforms in February. There’s that roller coaster again.
Who’s Interested In Buying?
There’s no shortage of suitors. Oracle and AppLovin are in the mix, and even Amazon tossed its hat in the ring at the last minute. A group of investors, including big names like Blackstone, are also reportedly looking to take a big chunk of TikTok’s U.S. business.
Meanwhile, Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty is partnering with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian for their own bid. Even AI startup Perplexity is exploring a possible merger with TikTok’s U.S. division.
Despite all the interest, there’s still no deal. And, even when one is inked, it’ll need Beijing’s blessing before moving forward.
Trump’s Message: It's About Tariffs and National Security
If you're wondering what the broader context is for this TikTok Trump message, it's all about economic leverage. Trump’s been leaning hard into tariffs as a bargaining chip, recently signing off on a “reciprocal tariff” policy that adds up to a whopping 54% tariff rate on Chinese imports. He believes these moves are essential not just for trade, but for national security, too.
Deadlines, Negotiations, and Resolutions
For now, the TikTok Trump roller coaster remains in the hands of ByteDance – and still on your phone. But, with the new mid-June deadline creeping closer, expect more headlines, more negotiations, and maybe (just maybe) an actual resolution. Let’s stay tuned and see what happens next.