U.S. President Donald Trump will sign a 90-day extension to TikTok's divestment deadline this week, marking the third postponement since January as negotiations continue between American regulators and the app's Chinese parent company ByteDance. The White House confirmed the move Tuesday, emphasizing efforts to prevent service disruptions for TikTok's 100 million U.S. users.
Timeline of a Tech Standoff
The latest extension follows two previous delays: an initial 75-day reprieve granted on Trump's first day in office January 20, and a second 75-day pause in April 2025 after China withdrew from tentative deal talks following new tariff announcements. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: "This administration remains committed to protecting Americans' data security while preserving access to popular digital platforms."
Political and Economic Stakes
With over 15 million followers on his official TikTok account, Trump has publicly acknowledged the platform's value for political outreach, particularly among younger voters. The extended negotiations highlight ongoing tensions in US-China tech relations, with analysts noting potential implications for cross-border data governance and foreign investment frameworks.
What Comes Next?
While the 90-day window allows continued operations, questions remain about long-term resolution. Business analysts suggest the repeated extensions indicate both sides seek to avoid abrupt market disruptions while addressing national security concerns. The outcome could set precedents for how global tech platforms navigate U.S.-China regulatory landscapes.
