President Trump's latest move indicates a commitment to keep TikTok operational, despite past Congressional measures aimed at a potential ban.
Trump to Extend TikTok Ban Deadline Again, White House Announces
Trump to Extend TikTok Ban Deadline Again, White House Announces
TikTok will continue in the US for another three months as President Trump delays the ban, ensuring user data safety.
In a move that extends the life of TikTok in the United States, President Donald Trump is set to issue another Executive Order delaying the deadline for a ban or sale of the popular video-sharing app. This is the third extension since he took office earlier this year, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who announced the decision on Tuesday.
The White House stated that TikTok will remain functional in the US for an additional 90 days, providing users with confidence that their data is secure. This follows an ultimatum for its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest the app to a US buyer by January. Neither TikTok nor ByteDance responded to media requests for comments.
Trump hinted at the extension in a recent BBC interview, expressing optimism about receiving China’s approval for the deal. "We probably have to get China approval," he remarked, suggesting that cooperation could be reached with President Xi Jinping. When questioned about the legal authority for this extension, Trump assured he possesses it.
The President's intentions seem to contradict Congressional efforts, which last year enacted a sale-or-ban imperative. Former President Joe Biden had signed this legislation to address national security concerns related to TikTok, which boasts a vast American user base of 170 million. The law was upheld by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
Despite the looming ban, analysts are expressing doubts about any imminent prohibition. Kelsey Chickering, a principal analyst at Forrester, noted, "What ban? There is nothing 'looming' about the potential TikTok ban anymore." Chickering also pointed out TikTok's recent AI tool rollout at Cannes, showcasing their confidence in sustaining market share against rivals like Snap.
The Trump administration previously indicated progress towards a deal that would secure American oversight of TikTok's operations in the United States. However, a ByteDance spokesperson stated that critical matters remain unresolved, noting that any agreement would require compliance with Chinese law.
Trump has previously shown interest in Oracle, led by a known ally, as a potential buyer for TikTok. Other bidders include billionaire Frank McCourt and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, while internet sensation Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, is also looking to acquire TikTok through his investor consortium.
The White House stated that TikTok will remain functional in the US for an additional 90 days, providing users with confidence that their data is secure. This follows an ultimatum for its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest the app to a US buyer by January. Neither TikTok nor ByteDance responded to media requests for comments.
Trump hinted at the extension in a recent BBC interview, expressing optimism about receiving China’s approval for the deal. "We probably have to get China approval," he remarked, suggesting that cooperation could be reached with President Xi Jinping. When questioned about the legal authority for this extension, Trump assured he possesses it.
The President's intentions seem to contradict Congressional efforts, which last year enacted a sale-or-ban imperative. Former President Joe Biden had signed this legislation to address national security concerns related to TikTok, which boasts a vast American user base of 170 million. The law was upheld by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
Despite the looming ban, analysts are expressing doubts about any imminent prohibition. Kelsey Chickering, a principal analyst at Forrester, noted, "What ban? There is nothing 'looming' about the potential TikTok ban anymore." Chickering also pointed out TikTok's recent AI tool rollout at Cannes, showcasing their confidence in sustaining market share against rivals like Snap.
The Trump administration previously indicated progress towards a deal that would secure American oversight of TikTok's operations in the United States. However, a ByteDance spokesperson stated that critical matters remain unresolved, noting that any agreement would require compliance with Chinese law.
Trump has previously shown interest in Oracle, led by a known ally, as a potential buyer for TikTok. Other bidders include billionaire Frank McCourt and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, while internet sensation Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, is also looking to acquire TikTok through his investor consortium.
