Trump May Extend TikTok Sale Deadline Amid Ongoing Scrutiny

On March 6, local time, U.S. President Donald Trump stated at the White House that he may extend the deadline for TikTok's sale if a deal is not reached by April 5. Trump remarked, “We are very interested in TikTok, and many others are as well. Right now, we still have at least a month, so an extension isn't necessary. But if I need to extend it, I might.” However, he did not specify the potential duration of the extension.

In April 2024, then-President Joe Biden signed a bill requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese entity within 270 days. Failure to comply would result in the app being banned in the U.S. after January 19, 2025. After taking office in January, Trump issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of this ban by 75 days, moving the deadline to April 5. Additionally, Trump has demanded that TikTok divest 50% of its shares to American companies and the U.S. government.

As of the time of publication, TikTok has not responded to Trump's latest statements.

Trump's stance on the TikTok U.S. ban and potential TikTok deadline extension highlights the complex intersection of national security and economic control. By pushing for U.S. ownership while delaying enforcement, Trump positions TikTok as both a security risk and a strategic asset. This maneuver not only influences global tech policies but also sets a precedent for how the U.S. regulates foreign-owned digital platforms in the future. As the deadline nears, the decision will shape the landscape of digital sovereignty and international business regulations.