plowunited.net – President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations to September 17. This marks the third time the administration has delayed enforcement of a law requiring the divestment or shutdown of the popular short-video app. The original law, passed in 2024, required TikTok to cease US operations by January 19 if ByteDance did not sell its American assets or demonstrate significant progress toward doing so. Despite the legal deadline Trump delayed the requirement after returning to office in January 2025. Citing ongoing negotiations and the app’s political utility.
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White House Seeks Time to Finalize TikTok Sale Deal
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the 90-day extension is intended to give both the government and ByteDance more time to reach a suitable agreement. She noted that legal advisors within the White House and Department of Justice believe the extension is on solid legal footing. Leavitt added that President Trump is committed to preventing TikTok from being shut down. Emphasizing his goal to ensure a deal that protects American users’ data. “It’s more time to make a good deal,” she said during a Thursday briefing.
Trump Hopes China Will Approve ByteDance Divestment
Speaking aboard Air Force One earlier this week, he said, “I think President Xi will ultimately approve it.” Trump has acknowledged that China’s support is likely necessary. As the deal under consideration involves the restructuring of TikTok’s American operations into a US-based, majority-owned entity. However, previous attempts to finalize such a deal have faltered due to rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over tariffs and trade restrictions.
ByteDance’s US Exit Stalls Amid Tariff Tensions
Earlier in the year, negotiations were underway to create a new American firm to manage TikTok’s US presence, owned primarily by American investors. That deal was paused after China objected, largely in response to Trump’s announcement of steep new tariffs on Chinese imports. These tariffs have complicated US-China tech negotiations, with Chinese officials reportedly unwilling to approve ByteDance’s divestment under such conditions. Nonetheless, Trump remains hopeful that trade incentives, including potential tariff reductions, could bring China back to the table.
Legal Challenges and Political Divide on TikTok Sale
While Trump’s administration pushes for a sale extension. Some Democratic lawmakers question his authority to repeatedly delay enforcement of the 2024 law. They argue that the current proposals may not meet legal standards for national security and data privacy. Critics also worry that Trump’s personal interest in TikTok’s political reach—especially its influence on younger voters—may be influencing policy decisions. TikTok, which serves 170 million users in the US, thanked the administration for its continued support. Stating, “We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership in ensuring that TikTok remains available in the US.”
