In an unexpected move, TikTok will continue its operations in the United States for at least another three months, as President Donald Trump prepares to extend the sale or ban deadline for the popular video-sharing app. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Tuesday that Trump will sign an executive order this week aimed at keeping TikTok available for American users.
Originally, the popular platform, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, was slated to be banned in the U.S. following the company's failure to sell the app to an American buyer by a January deadline. This extension reportedly seeks to provide American users with the assurance that their data remains secure while negotiations proceed.
Before Leavitt's announcement, President Trump hinted during a BBC interview that he would "probably" initiate another extension. "We'll probably have to get China approval," he added, indicating his belief that Chinese President Xi Jinping would ultimately endorse the move. Trump also claimed he had the legal authority to extend the deadline, a stance that diverges from the intentions of Congress, which passed legislation aimed at addressing national security concerns over the app's potential misuse by China.
The legislation, aimed at preventing any political manipulation or espionage, was signed into law by former President Joe Biden. The Supreme Court upheld the legislation in January just before Trump was set to enter office. Analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of an actual ban occurring, suggesting that Trump’s repeated unilateral extensions indicate a diminishing threat. Forrester principal analyst Kelsey Chickering stated, "What ban? There is nothing ‘looming’ about the potential TikTok ban anymore."
Negotiations between the U.S. and China regarding TikTok's operations have so far produced no concrete agreement. A ByteDance spokesperson remarked that key matters still needed resolution, emphasizing the importance of compliance with Chinese law before any potential sale. Trump has shown interest in a deal that would grant major control of TikTok's U.S. operations to an American owner, with Oracle's co-founder Larry Ellison among those linked to the potential acquisition.
In addition to Oracle, several high-profile figures are also in the running to buy TikTok, including billionaire Frank McCourt and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Additionally, social media influencer MrBeast, known for being one of the biggest YouTubers globally, has expressed interest in participating in an investor group to acquire the app.
As negotiations unfold, the fate of TikTok in the U.S. remains in flux, with its future likely hinging on the outcome of ongoing discussions between American and Chinese stakeholders.
