On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump extended until September 17 the time frame for ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, to sell its U.S. operations.
This extension gives ByteDance another chance to finalize a deal and avoid a forced shutdown of the popular video-sharing app under a law that would otherwise require its sale or closure without clear signs of progress.
Trump formalized the extension by signing an executive order that pushes the deadline out by an additional 90 days.
This move was expected, as the president had hinted at such a step earlier. It marks the third time Trump has given ByteDance extra time, with previous extensions set to expire first in April and later in June.
The initial requirement called for TikTok’s U.S. operations to be sold or shuttered by January 19, unless a sale was close to completion.
The app, which has been instrumental in Trump’s outreach to younger voters during the 2024 election, remains a priority for the administration.
Trump has voiced hope that China’s President Xi Jinping will give the green light to a deal that would allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S., though it’s not clear how prominently this issue has featured in broader trade talks between Washington and Beijing.
“We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership and support in ensuring that TikTok continues to be available,” TikTok stated in a message on its official site.
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Focus on a U.S.-Based Solution
TikTok noted it remains engaged with the office of Vice President JD Vance on reaching a resolution.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt commented, “It’s more time; more time to make a good deal,” adding that administration lawyers and the Department of Justice are confident that the extension complies with legal standards.
Earlier in the week, Leavitt emphasized that “President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark,” and explained that the coming months will focus on finalizing a sale that ensures American users’ data is safeguarded.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “Probably have to get China approval, but I think we’ll get it. I think President Xi will ultimately approve it.”
Plans had been underway to establish a new U.S.-controlled company to run TikTok’s American business, but talks stalled when China signaled it would reject the proposal after Trump’s announcement of steep new tariffs.
Meanwhile, some Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the legality of Trump’s deadline extensions and whether the current negotiations satisfy legal requirements.
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