The Trump administration is preparing to grant another extension on the deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest its U.S. assets or face a shutdown. According to a source familiar with the matter, the current September 17 deadline is likely to be pushed back, marking the fourth reprieve since the law originally mandated a sale or shutdown of TikTok by January 2025.
Trump’s Stance on TikTok’s Future
Last month, President Donald Trump suggested that U.S. buyers were lined up for TikTok, hinting at a potential resolution. However, he appeared uncertain when asked on Sunday, saying:
“I may or may not, we’re negotiating TikTok right now. We may let it die, or we may, I don’t know, it depends, up to China. It doesn’t matter too much. I’d like to do it for the kids.”
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment. If the extension is granted, it would underscore the administration’s reluctance to shut down a platform that boasts 170 million American users.
National Security Concerns
For years, China hawks in Washington have expressed concern that Beijing could exploit TikTok to spy on, blackmail, or censor Americans. Despite these fears, Trump has stated that he wants to save the app, creating a delicate balance between political pressure and public demand.
Stalled Progress on TikTok Sale
Negotiations on a deal have been slow. A proposed agreement earlier this year would have spun off TikTok’s U.S. operations into a new U.S.-based company, majority-owned and managed by American investors. However, the plan was halted when China refused to approve the transfer of TikTok’s prized algorithm, particularly after Trump’s announcement of steep tariffs on Chinese goods.
U.S.-China Trade Talks Touch on TikTok
Over the weekend, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and trade negotiator Li Chenggang in Spain. For the first time, TikTok was publicly listed on the agenda of U.S.-China trade talks, giving the Trump administration political cover for another extension.
Previous rounds of negotiations in Geneva, London, and Stockholm did not include TikTok, making this a notable shift in focus. Despite this, a final deal is not expected before the September 17 deadline.
Timeline of TikTok’s Sale Deadlines
- January 2025 – Original legal deadline for divestment or shutdown.
- Early April 2025 – First extension granted.
- May to June 2025 – Second extension.
- September 2025 – Third extension.
- Now – Expected fourth extension to push the September 17 deadline further.
Trump, who began his second term as president on January 20, has consistently opted not to enforce the law requiring a forced TikTok sale or shutdown.
What’s Next for TikTok in the U.S.?
While the extension buys TikTok and ByteDance more time, it also risks frustrating Congress, where both Republicans and Democrats have called for stricter action. The ultimate decision may hinge on:
- China’s willingness to approve any sale involving TikTok’s algorithm.
- U.S. political considerations, especially as Trump balances national security concerns with public demand for the app.
- Trade relations between Washington and Beijing with TikTok now formally linked to broader economic talks.
Conclusion
The fate of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. While Trump has hinted at saving the app, security concerns and stalled negotiations with China complicate the process. With another deadline extension expected, the coming months will determine whether TikTok is sold to American investors or continues to operate under ByteDance ownership.
