Trump Open to Delaying TikTok Ban Again Amid Sale Talks
Trump signals he’s open to extending TikTok’s U.S. deadline again, as ByteDance scrambles to finalize a sale under U.S. law.
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Trump Signals Another TikTok Ban Delay Amid U.S. Ownership Push
By [Your Name] | May 5, 2025
Former President Donald Trump is once again signaling flexibility on the looming TikTok ban, revealing he may extend the app’s June 19 deadline for a third time as the future of the platform hangs in the balance.
During an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump—who previously delayed the ban in January and again in April—suggested he’s not ready to pull the plug just yet. “Perhaps I shouldn’t say this, but I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” he admitted, underscoring the platform’s immense popularity among younger Americans and its complicated geopolitical ties.
TikTok’s Legal Deadline Looms—But So Does Uncertainty
At the heart of the issue is a U.S. law passed last year, mandating that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divest its U.S. operations to avoid a nationwide ban. The measure came amid rising concerns over national security and data privacy, with lawmakers worried that the Chinese government could access American user data through the app.
Although the law originally forced TikTok offline for a brief time in January, Trump intervened with a 90-day reprieve. When that expired in April, another 75-day extension was granted. With the current June 19 deadline fast approaching, the sale is still pending, with negotiations reportedly stalled due to Beijing’s resistance and concerns over valuation.
Trump’s Balancing Act: National Security vs. Digital Popularity
Trump’s tone during the NBC interview reveals the difficult balancing act facing U.S. leaders: enforcing strict national security measures while avoiding backlash from millions of Americans who view TikTok as a cultural cornerstone. While many in Congress remain adamant about severing Chinese control over the platform, Trump appeared to acknowledge the nuance.
“I’d prefer to see a deal made with U.S. investors,” he said, adding that a joint venture with American stakeholders could be a palatable compromise. That view echoes a previous proposal from 2020, when Trump pushed for Oracle and Walmart to take partial ownership in a now-defunct deal under his first administration.
China’s Role: A Sticking Point in the Deal
While U.S. lawmakers push for divestiture, Chinese regulators must also approve any sale—an often-overlooked obstacle in the timeline. Beijing has repeatedly criticized what it views as Washington’s overreach into private enterprise and has not hesitated to wield its own export controls to stall negotiations. During the April deadline extension, Trump noted that the Chinese government was “not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs,” a pointed reference to the broader tension shaping trade and tech diplomacy between the two superpowers.
ByteDance, for its part, has been walking a tightrope, trying to reassure U.S. regulators while preserving its strategic assets. According to recent Reuters reporting, the company is exploring restructuring options that could comply with U.S. law without requiring a full sale—a scenario that may still face legal and political hurdles.
Experts Say More Delays Could Weaken Law’s Impact
Some policy analysts argue that repeated extensions risk undermining the credibility of the law itself. “Every time the deadline moves, it sends a message that enforcement is negotiable,” said Jennifer Lee, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic Technology. “While there’s room for diplomacy, regulatory clarity is crucial for the market and for national security.”
Yet others argue the delays reflect pragmatic governance. “If a forced ban alienates millions of users and sparks legal chaos, then giving time for a cleaner, cooperative outcome is wise,” said tech policy analyst Mark Reilly.
What’s Next for TikTok and U.S. Tech Policy?
The ongoing TikTok saga is more than a single app’s struggle—it’s a reflection of a broader tug-of-war between data sovereignty, national identity, and economic influence. As the June deadline nears, all eyes will be on whether ByteDance can strike a deal—or whether Trump will once again step in with another extension.
For now, TikTok remains in a state of limbo, caught between two powerful governments and a digital generation that refuses to log off. Whether this next extension will bring resolution or just buy more time is still unclear.
Conclusion:
As TikTok’s fate twists through global diplomacy and domestic law, Trump’s openness to another delay highlights the complexities of regulating tech in an interconnected world. While the June 19 deadline looms, what’s truly at stake is not just who owns the app—but who controls the narrative in an age where social media, politics, and power are deeply entangled.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on current public statements and ongoing developments. Information may change as new data or official decisions emerge. Readers are advised to follow updates from official government and media sources.
source : Techc crunch