TikTok just got a stay of execution once again. Donald Trump is granting the popular video-sharing app another 90-day extension, stalling enforcement of the controversial law that could have seen TikTok banned in the U.S. unless it’s sold off by its Chinese parent, ByteDance.
“Trump will sign an additional Executive Order this week to keep TikTok up and running,” confirmed White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “As he has said many times, President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark.”
This is Trump’s third delay since the law technically took effect in January. Although there was a brief 14-hour blackout earlier this year, the app has largely remained accessible to its 170 million U.S. users. The law, signed by former President Joe Biden, mandates that TikTok be sold or face a ban due to national security concerns over its Chinese ownership.
Efforts to finalize a sale earlier this year fell through after Trump introduced new tariffs on China. ByteDance responded, saying, “There are key matters to be resolved. Any agreement will be subject to approval under Chinese law.” China has made clear it won’t permit any sale involving TikTok’s core algorithm.
As both nations navigate tense trade negotiations, Trump remains optimistic. “I think we’ll get it,” he said on Tuesday. “I think President Xi will ultimately approve it, yes.”
While TikTok’s future remains uncertain, the latest delay keeps the app live for now, buying more time for a potential deal with U.S. investors and tech giants still in the mix.
