Trump to Grant Third Extension on TikTok Sale Deadline, New Cutoff Now September 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump will extend the deadline for China-based ByteDance to divest the U.S. operations of TikTok, the White House confirmed on Tuesday. The new deadline will push enforcement of the divestment law to mid-September 2025.
The announcement marks the third extension of a congressionally mandated ban on TikTok that was originally scheduled to take effect in January. Trump had hinted in May that another extension was likely, citing the platform’s popularity and its role in engaging young voters during the 2024 election.
“President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “He will sign an additional executive order this week to keep TikTok up and running.”
TikTok Sale Deadline Extended Amid National Security Concerns
Under U.S. law, ByteDance was required to sell or shut down TikTok’s American assets unless it made significant progress toward a sale. The 90-day extension now gives the company until mid-September to finalise a deal with a U.S.-based buyer.
The White House emphasised that the extension would ensure the continued availability of TikTok in the U.S. while safeguarding user data privacy and national security.
“The administration will spend the next three months ensuring the sale closes so Americans can keep using TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe and secure,” Leavitt said.
Trump: TikTok Crucial for Youth Outreach and Diplomacy
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed the extension is all but certain.
“Probably, yeah,” Trump said when asked if he’d extend the deadline. “We probably have to get China’s approval, but I think we’ll get it. I think President Xi will ultimately approve it.”
Trump previously credited TikTok with boosting his engagement among Gen Z voters, particularly during the 2024 presidential campaign.
What’s Next for TikTok in the U.S.?
- New divestment deadline: Mid-September 2025
- ByteDance continues negotiating with potential U.S. buyers
- White House prioritizing data security compliance
- TikTok will remain active in the U.S. during the extension period
ByteDance has yet to publicly announce a buyer for TikTok’s U.S. operations, but several tech firms are reportedly in talks. The Biden administration had similarly raised national security concerns during its term, which laid the groundwork for the sale mandate.
Key Takeaways:
- Trump to extend TikTok sale deadline by 90 days, pushing it to September 2025
- The move comes amid concerns over data security and foreign ownership
- ByteDance must finalize U.S. asset divestment to avoid a TikTok ban
- The app remains operational in U.S. while negotiations continue
- Trump cites TikTok’s role in reaching young American voters
