Trump Extends TikTok Ban Deadline Indefinitely
Trump pledges to prolong TikTok ban expiration until a deal is reached
President Donald Trump has pledged to keep the deadline for the TikTok ban on hold until a domestic buyer is found for the popular social media app.
Trump has previously extended the ban twice, once on his inauguration day and then in April. In the latest interview, the President disclosed his intention to further prolong the ban if necessary, saying:
The legislation, colloquially known as the "TikTok ban," was enacted by President Biden in April 2024. It demanded ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, to divest from the app, or face a nationwide ban starting from January 19, 2025.
Although the Chinese-based platform briefly went offline for 24 hours in January due to the impending ban, a deal was reached, and the app resumed service. This deal reportedly shielded American businesses that worked with TikTok from liability issues.
Controversies surrounding TikTok's potential interference in privacy concerns, mental health issues, and foreign surveillance have been brought to light by critics. However, Trump has recently downplayed the app's risks.
*TARIFFS & TIKTOK DEAL
Trump hinted that China would greenlight the deal in a matter of minutes if he were to slash tariffs on Chinese goods. This suggestion adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations.
*LEGAL QUESTIONS
Trump's authority to indefinitely extend the ban's deadline has been challenged by some Democratic senators, who argue that the proposed deal may not comply with the legal requirements.
As tensions between the U.S. and China continue, the fate of TikTok's U.S. operations remains uncertain, at the mercy of trade conflicts, political negotiations, and concerns over privacy and foreign interference.
- President Donald Trump has expressed his aspiration for a domestic buyer to acquire TikTok, delaying the enacted TikTok ban until January 19, 2025.
- In a recent interview, Trump disclosed his plan to keep the TikTok ban on hold indefinitely, citing his desire to see the popular social media app continue.
- Despite the controversies surrounding TikTok's potential interference in privacy, mental health, and foreign surveillance, Trump has downplayed the app's risks.
- Trump hinted that China would quickly approve the TikTok deal if he reduced tariffs on Chinese goods, adding complexity to the ongoing negotiations.
- The legality of Trump's decision to indefinitely extend the TikTok ban's deadline has been disputed by some Democratic senators, who argue that the proposed deal may not adhere to the required legal standards.
