U.S. President Donald Trump announced he may extend the June 19 deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese mainland-based company behind TikTok, to divest its U.S. operations if negotiations remain unresolved. This marks the third potential postponement of a congressionally mandated ban on the app, which boasts 170 million American users.
Speaking to NBC News, Trump emphasized his affinity for TikTok, crediting it with helping engage young voters during his 2024 campaign. "TikTok will be protected," he stated, while reaffirming his commitment to tariffs on Chinese goods. Earlier proposals to spin off TikTok’s U.S. operations into a majority American-owned entity stalled after Beijing opposed the deal amid escalating trade tensions.
Democratic senators argue Trump lacks legal authority to unilaterally extend deadlines, while industry sources suggest progress depends on resolving broader U.S.-China tariff disputes. ByteDance confirmed ongoing talks in April but stressed compliance with Chinese legal reviews remains a hurdle.
The deadline, initially set for January 19, has already been delayed twice. Analysts warn the TikTok saga underscores deepening tech-security concerns and the complex interplay of global trade policies.
