In a move that has sparked both support and criticism, President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest its U.S. assets until September 17. This marks the third extension of the original deadline mandated by a 2024 law requiring TikTok to be sold or shut down in the U.S. by January 19 unless significant progress was made. Trump, who credited TikTok with helping him attract young voters in the 2024 election, emphasized his desire to keep the app operational in the U.S. and expressed optimism that Chinese President Xi Jinping would approve a deal. TikTok confirmed ongoing collaboration with U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, to ensure the app's continued availability. The proposed deal would place TikTok's U.S. operations under control of American investors, but progress stalled in the spring following China's disapproval in response to new U.S. tariffs. Trump's administration defends the extension's legality amid criticism from some Democratic lawmakers who question both the authority to delay enforcement and the viability of the proposed agreement under legal standards.
The extension has raised questions about the legal basis for the decision. Despite a nationwide ban previously upheld by Congress and the Supreme Court, Trump first reversed the action on his inauguration day, and extended the deadline again in April. The legal basis for these extensions remains unclear and has not faced court challenges. TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, applauded Trump's decision, highlighting its 170 million U.S. users and 7.5 million businesses relying on the app. Analysts suggest the situation has become a political stalemate rather than a pressing threat, even as competitors try to capitalize. Public opinion is divided, with decreasing support for a ban. Democrats, including Sen. Mark Warner, have criticized the executive action as undermining lawful national security decisions. TikTok continues to operate, with tech companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle backing it under assurances from the Justice Department.