TikTok Won't Go Dark Yet As Trump Gives App Another 90-Day Lifeline
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The move ensures TikTok remains accessible to its 170 million American users despite bipartisan calls for a ban.
TikTok has once again avoided a shutdown in the United States as US President Donald Trump is set to announce a 90-day extension on enforcing the sale-or-ban law targeting the app's Chinese ownership. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, 'President Trump will sign an additional Executive Order this week to keep TikTok up and running. As he has said many times, President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark."
The extension buys more time for a deal that would transfer majority control of TikTok's US operations to American investors- a requirement under the law passed last year over national security concerns. The app, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, has faced scrutiny over its data practices and Chinese ties.
Third Delay In Shutting TikTok
This marks the third time the White House has delayed enforcing the law. The move ensures TikTok remains accessible to its 170 million American users despite bipartisan calls for a ban unless its ownership is changed. The delay also comes amid broader trade negotiations between the US and China, with TikTok increasingly seen as a geopolitical bargaining chip.
Trump Hints At Beijing's Role
Donald Trump said that any deal 'probably" requires Beijing's approval, adding, 'I think President Xi will ultimately approve it, yes."
September Deadline Looms
With the deadline now extended to September, attention turns once again to stalled negotiations between ByteDance and US-based buyers- along with Beijing's willingness to sign off on any final agreement.
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Mallika Soni
First Published:
June 18, 2025, 04:21 IST
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