Donald Trump Grants 90-Day Extension for TikTok Sale, Citing User Data Protection and Diplomatic Talks
Trump grants ByteDance a 90-day extension to sell TikTok’s US operations, aiming to protect user data and avoid an app shutdown amid ongoing talks.
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In a key decision aimed at preserving access to one of the most popular social media platforms in the U.S., President Donald Trump has approved a 90-day extension for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s American operations. The deadline, originally set for June 19, has now been pushed forward to allow more time for negotiations and ensure the protection of American users’ data.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the decision on Tuesday, stating, “President Trump will sign an additional executive order this week to keep TikTok up and running. He doesn’t want the app to go dark.” The extension is intended to facilitate the finalization of a sale that complies with U.S. law and national security concerns.
Chinese Approval May Be Required
President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, hinted that China’s consent could be necessary for the sale to proceed smoothly. “Probably have to get China approval, but I think we’ll get it,” he said. “I believe President Xi will ultimately approve it.”
The potential need for Chinese government approval stems from ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing, especially after the U.S. announced new tariffs earlier this year. These tariffs temporarily derailed earlier sale discussions involving American investors.
TikTok’s Legal and Political Timeline
Under U.S. law, ByteDance was required to divest its U.S. TikTok assets or face a shutdown of the app unless it demonstrated significant progress toward a sale. The original deadline was January 19, but Trump — now in his second term — chose to delay enforcement. He first extended the deadline to April, then to June 19, and now to mid-September.
TikTok, which currently boasts approximately 170 million users in the United States, has remained a politically sensitive topic. Trump previously indicated that the app’s popularity, particularly among younger voters, played a role in his decision to avoid an immediate ban during the 2024 election season.
What’s Next?
As ByteDance navigates complex negotiations and seeks a deal that satisfies both U.S. regulators and Chinese officials, the next 90 days will be crucial. A successful sale could reshape TikTok’s future in the American market, while failure to comply with the law may still result in a ban.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials maintain that any agreement must include robust safeguards for user data and national security. Further updates are expected in the coming weeks as discussions continue.
