Trump signals new extension for TikTok divestment deadline
Amid heated US-China tariff tensions, Trump’s soft spot for the app that charmed millions of young voters adds another twist to the TikTok saga.
President Donald Trump indicated he would extend the deadline set for the Chinese-owned company ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations if negotiations remain unfinished by 19 June.
The popular short-video app, used by around 170 million Americans, played a significant role in Trump’s appeal to younger voters during his 2024 election campaign. Trump described TikTok positively, hinting at protective measures rather than outright prohibition.
Originally mandated by Congress, the TikTok ban was supposed to be enforced starting on 19 January. Trump, however, has twice extended this deadline amid ongoing negotiations.
A potential agreement to spin off TikTok’s US operations into a new, US-majority-owned firm was suspended after China objected, a reaction spurred by Trump’s substantial tariffs on Chinese goods.
Democratic senators have challenged Trump’s authority to postpone the deadline further, arguing that the proposed spin-off arrangement does not satisfy legal conditions outlined in the original legislation.
Insiders indicate negotiations continue behind the scenes, though a resolution remains dependent on settling broader trade conflicts between the US and China.
Trump remains firm about maintaining high tariffs on China, now at 145%, which he insists significantly impacts the Chinese economy.
Yet, he has left the door open to eventually lowering these tariffs within a more comprehensive trade agreement, acknowledging China’s strong desire to resume business with the U.S.
Despite multiple extensions, the fate of TikTok’s US operations remains uncertain, as political and economic factors continue shaping negotiations. Trump’s willingness to extend deadlines reflects broader geopolitical dynamics between Washington and Beijing, linking digital platform regulation closely with international trade policy.