President Trump grants a second 75-day extension for TikTok to remain operational in the US, offering more time for ByteDance to negotiate a sale amid national security concerns.
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| President Donald Trump’s decision to extend TikTok’s US operation for 75 more days aims to allow ByteDance more time to resolve national security concerns and finalize the sale. Image: CH |
Washington, D.C., USA — April 5, 2025:
In a key development in the ongoing saga of TikTok’s future in the United States, President Donald Trump has granted a second 75-day extension for the popular social media platform to comply with a US law mandating either its sale or a ban. The decision, made public on Friday, comes as negotiations with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, continue to unfold amidst rising national security concerns.
TikTok, with over 170 million US users, has faced mounting pressure from both the US government and Congress to divest its American operations. The platform, owned by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has been under scrutiny due to fears that it could be exploited by Beijing for surveillance or political influence. The bipartisan law passed last year gives ByteDance six months to sell its majority stake in TikTok or risk a shutdown.
While many have voiced concerns over the potential curbing of free speech, particularly regarding the platform’s widespread popularity, the Trump administration has remained firm on national security grounds. Trump himself made a statement on Truth Social, expressing that, “We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark,’” and reaffirming that the administration is committed to resolving the issue with TikTok and China.
ByteDance, in its statement, confirmed that discussions are ongoing but emphasized that any potential agreement would be subject to approval under Chinese law. “There are key matters to be resolved,” the company stated, underscoring the complexities involved in the deal-making process.
Earlier this week, just as a deal appeared imminent, talks were abruptly halted when President Trump announced sweeping new global tariffs, including additional tariffs on Chinese imports. Following this, ByteDance reached out to the White House, indicating that China would not approve a transaction unless tariff discussions were incorporated into the negotiations. Currently, the US imposes a 54% tariff on Chinese goods, while China retaliates with a 34% tariff on American exports.
As a result, negotiations for the TikTok sale now hinge on broader trade talks between the two nations. Trump has suggested the possibility of a larger deal with China, where Beijing may approve the TikTok sale in exchange for the easing of some US tariffs. "Tariffs are the most powerful economic tool,” Trump stated, reiterating their importance in ongoing trade discussions.
In terms of potential buyers, multiple tech firms and investors have entered the fray, including Amazon, Microsoft, venture capital firms, and individuals like billionaire Frank McCourt and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Trump confirmed that four groups are in active negotiations to purchase TikTok’s US operations, though specifics regarding these buyers have not been disclosed.
This second extension grants ByteDance more time to finalize the sale while continuing to operate in the US, giving users and investors alike a sense of stability amid the uncertainty. However, with national security concerns at the forefront, the clock is ticking for TikTok as it navigates a complex web of legal, political, and financial challenges.