The latest extension reflects mounting efforts by the Trump administration to facilitate a deal that would keep TikTok operational in the US while addressing national security concerns.
**Trump Grants Additional Time for TikTok's US Operations Amid Ongoing Negotiations**
**Trump Grants Additional Time for TikTok's US Operations Amid Ongoing Negotiations**
In a significant move, President Trump extends the deadline for TikTok to secure a buyer, giving the popular app a reprieve as discussions continue.
US President Donald Trump has announced a fresh 75-day extension for TikTok to either find a buyer for its US operations or risk being banned due to national security concerns. The deadline on the originally set for Saturday, will now be pushed back, with Trump communicating his intention to keep the platform running on his Truth Social account: "We do not want TikTok to 'go dark'," he said, expressing hope for a resolution that involves cooperation with China.
The popular social media app, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, faces forced divestment under a law from Congress unless it sells its controlling stake soon. In a recent update, ByteDance confirmed ongoing discussions with the Trump administration but noted that no final agreement had been reached as of yet. They cautioned that crucial aspects of the deal remain unresolved, especially regarding compliance with Chinese laws.
Underlining the sensitive nature of these negotiations, both the Trump and former Biden administrations have raised serious concerns over TikTok possibly being used for espionage or manipulation by China. The bipartisan law enacted last year mandates that ByteDance divest from TikTok within six months to prevent a block on the app in the US.
As the deadline looms, multiple bidders have emerged, including Amazon, which recently declared its interest to acquire TikTok. Other contenders reportedly include notable figures like Frank McCourt and Kevin O'Leary, alongside technology giants Microsoft and Blackstone. While Trump has remained vague about the specific groups looking to finalize a TikTok deal, he acknowledged efforts led by Vice-President JD Vance to expedite the process.
Additionally, Trump suggested that easing US tariffs on Chinese imports might facilitate Chinese approval for a TikTok sale, reiterating the tariffs' significance to national security and economic strategy. "We hope to continue working in good faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs," Trump remarked on Truth Social, indicating a complex intertwining of economic and digital diplomacy.
