WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for the popular Chinese-owned app TikTok to continue operating in the United States. With only days left before a potential ban, Trump signed an executive order giving TikTok 75 more days to finalize a sale to American investors.
Why Is TikTok Under Pressure?
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, is facing a U.S. ban due to national security concerns. Lawmakers worry that Chinese authorities could use the app to spy on Americans or influence public opinion. In 2024, Congress passed a bipartisan law requiring TikTok to be owned by a non-Chinese entity to remain in the U.S.
The Supreme Court upheld that law in January 2025, and TikTok was given a deadline of April 5 to comply. The app even briefly went offline in January during early enforcement.
A Deal in Progress
According to White House sources, a deal had nearly been completed. The plan involved spinning off TikTok’s U.S. operations into a new American company, with most of the ownership going to U.S. investors and ByteDance keeping a minority stake. The agreement had support from investors and ByteDance, and Trump was expected to sign a 120-day closing period to complete the transaction.
However, the deal was disrupted after Trump announced new tariffs on China, triggering a trade response from Beijing. As a result, China has not approved the TikTok sale.
President Trump wrote on his social platform Truth Social:
“My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK… The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed.”
TikTok’s Shift in Political Standing
Although Trump attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, he has now softened his stance. After winning re-election in November 2024, Trump acknowledged the app’s popularity, especially among young voters. On Inauguration Day (January 20), he signed an order pausing enforcement of the TikTok ban.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew even attended the inauguration as a guest, signaling a shift in tone between the platform and the White House.
Who Is Buying TikTok?
At least four U.S. groups are interested in buying TikTok, including Oracle and a team involving start-up Zoop. Zoop CEO R.J. Phillips said the extension was a positive sign:
“For creators, this isn’t just about policy — it’s about livelihood.”
Vice President JD Vance also confirmed progress, saying on Fox News that the deal would be announced before the new deadline:
“We’re in a good place… It’ll come out before the deadline.”
China’s Role and Rising Trade Tensions
President Xi Jinping must approve the TikTok sale. But China has reportedly tied the app’s future to ongoing trade talks, making the situation more complex. With both countries announcing 34% tariffs on each other’s goods this week, tensions have sharply escalated.
President Trump hinted that TikTok may be used as leverage in future negotiations:
“Maybe they want to get something a little bit in order to get TikTok approved, who knows,” he said on Air Force One.