Trump Extends TikTok Sale Deadline Again
President Donald Trump has once more pushed back the deadline for the forced sale of TikTok, a decision that affects the popular video app used by 170 million Americans. This marks the fourth extension since he began his second term in office.
The latest deadline was set for Wednesday, following a law from 2024 mandating that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, must sell its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban.
Before leaving for the UK on Tuesday, Trump remarked, “We have a contract in TikTok. I have a contract with China. I will talk to President Xi on Friday to see everything.” This statement came as he addressed reporters outside the White House.
Recent discussions in Madrid have set the stage for a new framework that would allow U.S.-based entities to control TikTok. Trump shared these developments with the Wall Street Journal.
The proposed consortium involves Oracle, Silver Lake, Andreessen Horowitz, along with existing supporters of ByteDance such as Susquehanna International, KKR, and General Atlantic. Oracle, in particular, is expected to manage U.S. user data from a facility in Texas.
The new structure would be overseen by a U.S.-controlled committee, which will include one seat designated by the U.S. government, according to reports.
Part of the discussion also includes provisions allowing American developers to create apps for users needing to switch platforms, utilizing licensed technology from ByteDance to replicate important algorithm functionalities.
Authorities in Beijing have indicated a “basic consensus” has been reached to address the ongoing conflict. Deputy Director Wang Zintao confirmed that China would permit the licensing of TikTok’s algorithms and other intellectual property while agreeing to delegate U.S. user data operations to a new entity.
However, concerns linger about TikTok’s algorithm. U.S. officials insist it should be handled by an American team free from Chinese oversight. Until now, Beijing has been reluctant to relinquish control over technology produced within its borders.
Interestingly, the original law to ban TikTok was signed by Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden. After Trump assumed office, he issued multiple executive orders instructing the Department of Justice not to enforce the ban, allowing time for negotiations.
Negotiations took a step forward in Madrid, with discussions about a potential meeting between Trump and Xi later this year. Reports suggest that Beijing is urging Trump to visit China to finalize the agreement.
The relationship between the U.S. and China has been strained, particularly in trade, as both countries impose tariffs on each other’s imports, contributing to a complex economic relationship.
The deal still requires approval from U.S. national security officials, who remain cautious about China’s influence. Some members of Congress who supported the 2024 legislation remain skeptical that ByteDance’s technology-dependent structure can be risk-free.
The next significant moment will be Trump’s talk with Xi this Friday, as both parties hope to reach a final agreement, according to the Journal.
The post has sought comments from officials at the White House and the Chinese government.
