Trump appears to be contemplating a third potential sale of TikTok.
In a recent turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines by extending the deadline set for the sale of the popular video-sharing platform, TikTok, for a third time. Trump announced the decision on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, stating, "I have just signed the order extending the deadline by 90 days (until September 17, 2025)".
The initial legality for the sale of TikTok by its Chinese parent company Bytedance came into effect the day before Trump took office in January, due to suspicions that the Chinese firm used TikTok to spy on American users on behalf of Beijing. The first two deadlines passed without a buyer being found. Originally, Trump had suspended the ban on TikTok from U.S. app stores for 75 days upon taking office, extending the suspension by another 75 days in early April.
Trump's spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, stated Trump's intent was to ensure "the American people can continue to use TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe and protected." The extended deadline grants the U.S. government enough time to "ensure that the sale is completed." TikTok welcomed the extension, expressing gratitude and emphasizing their commitment to the American market.
During his first term, Trump showed skepticism towards TikTok, advocating for a potential ban or sale. However, his stance appears to have changed, viewing the platform as a means to connect with younger voters for his 2024 reelection campaign. As a strong proponent of online services, Trump has praised TikTok among the youth, confessing, "TikTok has a little, warm place in my heart."
[1] This extension allows TikTok to continue operating without disruption, ensuring the maintenance of its U.S. user base and business partners. The extended deadline provides more time for TikTok to comply with regulatory demands and resolve security concerns related to American users' data, addressing questions about potential changes involving TikTok's ownership or data management practices. This continued operation under an extended deadline is a strategic move for both parties as they seek a resolution to secure TikTok's future within the U.S. market.
The extended deadline for the TikTok sale, now set until September 2022, provides a strategic opportunity for TikTok to address and comply with policy-and-legislation concerns regarding the protection of American users' data. In the realm of politics, Trump's latest decision regarding TikTok sales signals a delicate balancing act between national security interests and continued engagement with younger voters, reflecting general-news developments in the policy-and-legislation sphere.
