Trump delays TikTok ban: US President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Chinese technology company ByteDance to sell its US arm of TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer by 75 days. Otherwise, the app will be effectively banned, which was supposed to take effect in January under the 2024 law.
Trump delays TikTok ban, According to Aaj News, Trump said in a post on his social media platform “Truth Social” that all necessary approvals for a potential TikTok deal take time, so he is signing an executive order to keep the app operating for another 75 days.
Before Trump’s recent decision, he increased tariffs on imports from China to 34%, after which a total tax of 54% will now be imposed on Chinese exports to the US. Amid the trade dispute, Trump has hinted that the US may ease tariffs on China if Beijing helps ByteDance sell TikTok.
“We hope to continue to work with China in good faith, although I know they are not happy with our reciprocal tariff policy, which is necessary for fair and balanced trade,” Trump said.
According to the president, his administration is in contact with four different groups regarding a possible deal for TikTok, but he did not identify the groups. “We do not want TikTok to be shut down,” he added.
According to Reuters, a proposal is being considered in ongoing negotiations led by the White House under which the largest non-Chinese investors in ByteDance would increase their stakes and buy TikTok’s US arm. However, the biggest obstacle to the deal is Chinese government approval, which has not yet shown willingness to allow ByteDance to sell.