Trump Considers Further Extension for TikTok Divestiture Deadline
Former President Donald Trump has indicated he is open to extending the deadline for ByteDance, the China-based parent company of TikTok, to divest its U.S. assets. This potential extension would come despite a congressionally mandated ban on the popular short-video app, which is used by an estimated 170 million Americans. The current deadline is set for June 19th.
Trump’s remarks were made during an interview taped at his Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida, with Kristen Welker for NBC News’ "Meet the Press." He expressed a favorable view of TikTok, attributing some of his success with young voters in the 2024 presidential election to the platform. "TikTok is – it’s very interesting, but it will be protected," Trump stated, suggesting a shift from his previous stance on the app.
This potential extension marks the third time Trump has granted a reprieve from the enforcement of the TikTok ban. The original deadline for ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations was January 19th, following a law passed by Congress aimed at addressing national security concerns related to data privacy and potential Chinese government influence over the app’s content.
A deal had been previously under discussion that would have spun off TikTok’s U.S. operations into a new company based in the United States, with majority ownership and operational control held by U.S. investors. However, this deal stalled after the Chinese government signaled its disapproval, particularly in light of Trump’s imposition of significant tariffs on Chinese goods.
Trump’s stance on TikTok appears to have softened since the 2024 election cycle. While he initially expressed concerns about the app’s potential security risks, he now acknowledges its role in connecting with younger voters and seems inclined to find a solution that allows TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. under certain conditions.
The potential for further extensions has drawn criticism from Democratic senators who argue that Trump lacks the legal authority to delay the enforcement of the congressionally mandated ban. These senators also raised concerns that the proposed deal, which would have created a U.S.-based TikTok entity, may not adequately address the underlying legal and security issues.
Trump, however, asserts that China is eager to reach an agreement regarding TikTok, citing the economic pressure exerted by the 145% tariffs he imposed on Chinese goods. He indicated he would not remove the tariffs solely to facilitate negotiations on the TikTok deal, but suggested they could be lowered as part of a broader trade agreement.
"At some point, I’m going to lower them because otherwise, you could never do business with them. And they want to do business very much," Trump explained. This statement suggests a willingness to use the tariffs as leverage to secure favorable terms in a broader trade arrangement with China, potentially including a resolution to the TikTok issue.
The law in question required TikTok to cease operations in the U.S. by January 19th unless ByteDance successfully completed the divestiture of its U.S. assets. Trump, upon assuming office for his second term on January 20th, chose not to enforce the ban immediately. He initially extended the deadline to early April, and subsequently extended it again to the current deadline of June 19th.
The situation remains complex, with multiple factors influencing the future of TikTok in the United States. These factors include the legal challenges to Trump’s authority to grant extensions, the Chinese government’s reluctance to approve the proposed divestiture deal, the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and Trump’s shifting views on the app’s potential benefits.
The core of the matter lies in balancing the economic interests of U.S. businesses and consumers with national security concerns related to data privacy and foreign influence. The debate surrounding TikTok highlights the complexities of navigating these competing interests in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
As the June 19th deadline approaches, the fate of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain. While Trump’s willingness to consider another extension offers a glimmer of hope for the app’s continued operation, significant legal, political, and economic hurdles remain. The ultimate outcome will likely depend on a combination of factors, including negotiations between the U.S. and Chinese governments, legal rulings on the enforceability of the ban, and ByteDance’s willingness to comply with U.S. demands.
