In brief
The deadline extension highlights ongoing tensions over U.S.-China relations and the platform's national security concerns amid a potential sale to American entities.
US President Donald Trump announced a new 75-day extension for TikTok to comply with regulations requiring the app to either sell its U.S. operations or risk a ban, a move aimed at keeping the platform operational. Trump shared on Truth Social, "We do not want TikTok to 'go dark'. We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal." The app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, faces pressure due to a law passed by Congress stipulating that if no buyer emerges, it must cease operations in the U.S.Since taking office in January, Trump initially granted TikTok an extension that was due to end soon. The platform, boasting over 170 million users in the U.S., has been challenged by national security concerns, with Biden's administration previously highlighting potential risks of data misuse by China. According to ByteDance, discussions are ongoing with the Trump administration, but no conclusive agreement has been reached yet. A spokesperson emphasized that several important issues are yet to be resolved, and agreements must comply with Chinese law.Complicating matters, deadlines loom as Trump attempts to negotiate a sale to an American entity, revealing that the "Deal requires more work" for the necessary approvals. Speculations increased last week regarding potential buyers, with media reports indicating that Amazon made a last-minute offer, while candidates such as billionaire Frank McCourt and venture capitalist Andreessen Horowitz have shown interest.Tensions escalated after recent tariff announcements from Trump, which influenced discussions around the formerly imminent sale. A CBS source indicated that potential agreement conditions shifted, leading to China retracting its support for the acquisition unless tariff negotiations were revisited. As the deadline approaches, Vice President JD Vance is leading the effort to secure a buyer. Meanwhile, Trump hints at a possible deal linking TikTok's sale approval to trade relief measures, underlining the app's contentious status amid broader U.S.-China trade relations.
