Trump’s TikTok Deadline Extended Again: Will the U.S. Finally Take Control?
President Donald Trump has once again extended the deadline for TikTok’s U.S. divestiture, granting the Chinese-owned app until June 19 to finalize a sale to an American company. This decision follows a law signed by President Joe Biden in April 2024, mandating TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the app due to national security concerns.
Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, has softened his stance, citing the app’s popularity among young voters. He expressed a “warm spot in his heart” for TikTok and indicated openness to granting another extension beyond the June 19 deadline if no deal is reached.
Negotiations for TikTok’s U.S. operations to become a majority U.S.-owned firm have stalled, partly due to China’s opposition to the deal amid new U.S. tariffs. Despite these challenges, discussions continue, with notable American figures such as Kevin O’Leary and MrBeast expressing interest in purchasing TikTok.
The Supreme Court upheld the legislation mandating ByteDance’s divestiture, keeping pressure on TikTok’s future in the U.S. While critics cite risks such as potential Chinese surveillance and mental health concerns for youth, Trump has minimized these fears, framing them as exaggerated.
TikTok, which has around 170 million U.S. users, faces a congressionally mandated ban unless its ownership transitions to a U.S.-controlled entity. Trump has assured companies engaged with TikTok they would not face legal consequences, emphasizing his desire to see the platform remain operational under U.S. ownership.
