Trump Delays TikTok Ban Again: 90 More Days to Strike a Deal
In a move that surprises no one, President Trump has once again postponed the ban on TikTok, granting another 90-day extension for parent company ByteDance to restructure its US operations. This comes after multiple delays and failed acquisition attempts throughout 2024 and early 2025.
What’s the Background?
In 2024, US Congress passed legislation mandating that ByteDance divest at least 80% of TikTok’s US business to American-owned companies. Although the US Supreme Court upheld the law, it only resulted in a short-lived 13-hour service interruption before TikTok returned online.
Since returning to office, President Trump granted TikTok two grace periods—first 75 days, then an additional extension. With the latest executive order, ByteDance now has until mid-September 2025 to reach an acceptable deal with American investors.
Who’s Interested in Buying TikTok?
Several high-profile companies and individuals have shown interest in acquiring a majority stake in TikTok’s US operations. Among the rumored bidders:
Amazon
Oracle
MrBeast (as part of a creator-led investment group)
One deal was reportedly close to completion in April, receiving approval from investors, ByteDance, and even the US government. However, the deal fell apart after tensions escalated due to Trump’s new tariff war with China.
What’s the Catch?
Even if ByteDance agrees to sell 80% to US companies, final approval must come from the Chinese government, which classifies TikTok’s algorithm as a “strategic technology.” That approval remains a major roadblock.
TikTok has now become a pivotal bargaining chip in the ongoing US-China trade negotiations, adding another layer of uncertainty to the platform's future in America.
What’s Next?
The new deadline is mid-September 2025
ByteDance must find suitable US-based investors
Any deal must also pass scrutiny from both US and Chinese regulators
In the meantime, TikTok remains fully operational for its US users. However, the platform’s future still hangs in the balance, and this latest delay may be the final lifeline before stricter enforcement kicks in.
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