President Donald Trump has announced a 75-day extension to the TikTok ban deadline, granting additional time to finalize negotiations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed he signed an executive order to prevent the app from being shut down, emphasizing progress toward a potential resolution. The decision arrives just one day before the original ban was scheduled to take effect.
“My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress,” Trump stated. “The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok operational for an additional 75 days.”
This marks the second extension granted under Trump’s administration. Earlier this year, a prior executive order delayed enforcement of the ban, which stemmed from legislation signed by former President Joe Biden. The original deadline mandated ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its U.S. operations by January 19. However, TikTok briefly faced removal from app stores earlier this year before being reinstated.
Reports indicate that a consortium of U.S. investors, including major firms like Oracle, Blackstone, and Andreessen Horowitz, submitted a proposal this week. This bid is reportedly a leading contender among multiple offers. Other entities expressing interest include retail giants, tech companies, and consortiums led by prominent figures. Despite this, ByteDance has consistently resisted selling TikTok or reducing its ownership stake, a requirement under the current law.
Complicating negotiations, the Chinese government retains authority to approve any potential deal. Meanwhile, Trump’s recent imposition of 34% tariffs on Chinese goods has further strained relations. He hinted that tariff reductions could be leveraged to facilitate an agreement, stating, “We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China… Tariffs are the most powerful Economic tool, and very important to our National Security.”
In response to the U.S. tariffs, China announced retaliatory measures, imposing a 34% tariff on all American imports. The ongoing trade tensions underscore the geopolitical complexities surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S. market.
