President Donald Trump announced today that his administration will extend the deadline for Chinese tech giant ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations of the popular video sharing app.
The extension, which grants an additional 75 days, is aimed at allowing more time to finalize a complex deal that would enable TikTok to continue operating within the United States while addressing national security concerns.
“My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress,” Trump said in a statement. “The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days.“
The president emphasized that while negotiations have been constructive, the extension is necessary to ensure all legal and regulatory requirements are met. He also highlighted broader economic issues, including the ongoing trade tensions with China, as part of the context for the deal.
“We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs (Necessary for Fair and Balanced Trade between China and the U.S.A.!),”Trump said. “This proves that Tariffs are the most powerful Economic tool, and very important to our National Security.
TikTok, which boasts over 100 million users in the U.S., has faced mounting pressure over allegations of potential data-sharing risks with the Chinese government. The Trump administration has maintained that unless the platform is brought under U.S. ownership, it poses a significant national security threat.
Despite the tension, Trump reassured users and stakeholders of his commitment to keeping the app available.
“We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark.’ We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal,” he concluded.
The announcement signals a temporary reprieve for ByteDance and its potential American partners, who have been racing against a government-imposed deadline to secure a divestment agreement that satisfies U.S. authorities.
As of now, it remains to be seen which U.S. company possibly Microsoft, Oracle, or others will ultimately take control of TikTok’s American operations. Negotiations are ongoing, with both governments and corporate entities closely involved.
This extension buys critical time, but the clock is still ticking on one of the most closely watched tech deals in recent history.
