Raise your hand if you ever thought TikTok would face a ban under the Trump Administration. Anyone? Bueller?
President Donald Trump has once again extended TikTok’s lifeline by signing an executive order granting the platform an additional 90 days before any potential ban takes effect. This move, announced by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement to CNN, ensures that TikTok will continue to operate as the Administration works towards finalizing a deal that prioritizes data security for American users.
“President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark. This extension will last 90 days, which the Administration will spend working to ensure this deal is closed so that the American people can continue to use TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe and secure.”
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary
This latest extension marks the third time that President Trump has granted clemency to TikTok, which faced an initial ban deadline of January 19 as per the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA). Despite legal challenges from ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, the ban was upheld by the US Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.
Following a series of extensions and negotiations, TikTok continues to operate in the US, with potential buyers such as Oracle and a coalition led by Oracle showing interest in acquiring the platform. However, uncertainties remain about the future ownership of TikTok, as geopolitical tensions and trade disputes between the US and China complicate the deal-making process.
As the clock resets every 75 to 90 days, the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance, with President Trump’s ongoing efforts to keep the platform operational amidst regulatory challenges and national security concerns.
