Trump Signals Possible Extensions for TikTok Deadline

President Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of extending the deadline for the sale of TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, up to three times, expressing optimism that a deal will eventually occur.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, Trump indicated that it’s likely the June 19 deadline for TikTok, which is based in Beijing, will be pushed back. He believes that ultimately, a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to non-Chinese buyers will materialize, and he thinks that President Xi Jinping will eventually agree to the arrangement.

When asked about the situation, Trump responded, “Maybe, yeah. We probably have to get China’s approval, but I think we’ll get it. I think President Xi will eventually approve it.”

He had previously mentioned that he was open to granting another extension to the deadline, noting he has some fondness for TikTok, as he believes it could help him reach younger voters in the 2024 election.

Back in January, before he began his second term, TikTok faced restrictions for U.S. users after failing to meet legal requirements that demanded either a sale or a ban. However, once Trump assumed office, the app was reinstated for American users, who were given a 75-day window to meet a new deadline set for April 5. After the April deadline passed without a sale, Trump offered an additional 75 days, pushing it to June 19.

Currently, Chinese companies involved may receive another extension, although they are actively working to finalize transactions. Notably, with around 170 million American users, TikTok is under scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers who cite national security concerns linked to its ties to the Chinese Communist Party.