Trump Says He Will Likely Extend TikTok Deadline Again
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will probably extend the deadline for ByteDance, the China-based parent company of TikTok, to divest its U.S. operations. The new development adds another layer of complexity to the long-standing political and regulatory battle surrounding the popular short video app.
ByteDance Facing Extended U.S. Deadline
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, Trump reiterated his intention to push back the current June 19 deadline. The extension, he noted, is driven in part by TikTok’s recent impact on his campaign success, particularly among younger voters during the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
“I’m looking at giving it more time,” Trump said, highlighting the platform’s role in engaging youth demographics and expanding his online reach. The statement follows his earlier comment in May that he was open to delaying the deadline due to the app’s unexpected political benefits.
Background: TikTok’s U.S. Uncertainty
The U.S. government has long expressed national security concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership, arguing that user data could be accessible to the Chinese Communist Party. In 2020, Trump issued an executive order forcing ByteDance to sell its U.S. TikTok assets or face a nationwide ban.
While legal battles and negotiations have postponed major decisions, the threat of forced divestment still looms. ByteDance has since been engaged in talks with potential U.S. buyers and regulatory authorities, though no final deal has been confirmed.
Political Strategy Meets Tech Policy
Trump’s latest comments reflect the growing intersection between politics and technology policy. His acknowledgement of TikTok’s campaign utility may shape future regulatory decisions not only for TikTok but also for other tech platforms with global ownership.
With the 2024 election season behind him, Trump’s decision to extend the divestment deadline appears to be a strategic move aimed at maintaining his momentum with Gen Z and Millennial voters, who form a significant portion of TikTok’s user base.
What’s Next for TikTok in the U.S.?
As the June 19 deadline approaches, the administration is expected to announce a formal extension, giving ByteDance more time to restructure or negotiate a sale. Meanwhile, TikTok continues to operate normally in the U.S., though with growing scrutiny from both lawmakers and the public.
Whether this is a temporary reprieve or a shift in U.S. tech policy remains to be seen. For now, TikTok users and stakeholders await the next move from the White House.
