The United States President announced on Monday that he intends to issue an executive order extending the temporary ban on the Chinese-owned TikTok app for an additional 90 days. This action follows two previous extensions, the most recent having been issued in April. The extension is part of an effort to secure a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to American investors while addressing national‑security concerns over data handling.
White House Clarifies Intent
Caroline Levit, a spokesperson for the White House, told CNN that the President does not wish to shut down TikTok in the United States. Levit said the 90‑day extension provides a window for negotiations aimed at keeping the platform operational under conditions that protect American user data. “The President has repeatedly stated he does not want to stop TikTok. This 90‑day extension is an opportunity for the administration to finalize an agreement that ensures continued use of the popular app in a safe manner,” Levit added.
Negotiations for a Domestic Sale Continue
Negotiations are ongoing between the U.S. government, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, and potential U.S. buyers. The proposed sale would transfer ownership and control of TikTok’s U.S. data and operations to a new entity comprising American investors. The deal has stalled in part because it requires approval from Chinese authorities and because of broader trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Earlier tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese goods have added uncertainty to cross‑border transactions.
Historical Context of the Ban
The current extension is the third of its kind since President Trump took office. Earlier in the year, a 90‑day pause was granted in January, followed by a second pause in April. Each pause was intended to allow time for a definitive resolution but has yet to produce a final agreement. Critics of the ban argue that it is driven by concerns that ByteDance could access sensitive personal information about U.S. citizens. ByteDance has repeatedly denied these allegations, asserting its commitment to user privacy and compliance with U.S. data‑protection laws.
Stakeholder Perspectives
U.S. lawmakers and national‑security officials have expressed support for the ban, citing potential risks of data sharing with the Chinese government. The Biden administration, which succeeded President Trump, has continued to pursue a similar strategy, emphasizing the need for safeguards around foreign‑owned technology. ByteDance, meanwhile, has highlighted its willingness to negotiate and to structure a deal that addresses security concerns. Potential U.S. buyers have shown interest but remain cautious given the regulatory and political uncertainties.
Implications for the U.S. Market
The 90‑day extension keeps TikTok available to U.S. users while the deal remains unresolved. If a sale is not completed within the extended period, the app would be permanently banned, affecting millions of American users and a number of U.S. advertisers. The outcome will influence the broader policy environment for foreign‑owned digital platforms operating in the United States, potentially affecting future negotiations for other Chinese technology companies.
Next Steps and Expected Timeline
The extended period begins immediately and will end three months from the issuance of the executive order. During this time, the administration will continue to engage with ByteDance and prospective buyers. No specific deadline has been announced for finalizing a sale, but officials have indicated that a decision is expected before the end of the 90‑day window. If negotiations fail, the executive order would be implemented, and the U.S. Department of Commerce would enforce the ban. The status of TikTok’s operations will remain a key point of focus for policymakers, industry participants, and users throughout the next quarter.
