Trump Signs Executive Order Extending TikTok’s US Operations for 90 Days
TL/DR –
President Trump has extended TikTok’s operating deadline in the U.S. for another 90 days, marking the third time he has done so in hopes of bringing the app under American ownership. The platform, owned by China’s ByteDance, continues to function for its 170 million U.S. users without any legal challenges against the extensions. The extension strategy has drawn criticism for possibly circumventing laws and security risks, but it has also led to decreasing support for a TikTok ban among Americans, with roughly one-third in favor, according to a Pew Research Center survey.
Trump Extends TikTok US Deadline, Keeps App Alive
WASHINGTON (AP) — On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order, extending the TikTok deadline for 90 more days. This move provides the administration with additional time to negotiate a deal to bring TikTok under American ownership.
This marks Trump’s third extension since his initial executive order on Jan. 20. The order came after a brief TikTok shutdown following a national ban upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Despite attempts to negotiate a deal with China’s ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, none have been successful.
Trump, with over 15 million TikTok followers, credits the platform for his popularity among young voters, expressing a “warm spot for TikTok.” The continuous extension of the ban hints at the unlikelihood of a TikTok ban in the U.S. anytime soon. Despite some scrutiny, the decision has yet to face a legal challenge.
Jeremy Goldman, an analyst at Emarketer, dubbed TikTok’s US situation a “deadline purgatory,” likening it to a recurring threat like the debt ceiling drama with no real resolution. TikTok remains active for its 170 million U.S. users, with tech giants Apple, Google and Oracle offering continued support.
A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed an equal divide among Americans regarding TikTok. About one-third support a ban, a decrease from 50% in March 2023. Approximately one-third oppose a ban, whilst the rest remain unsure. Data security concerns were cited by 8 out of 10 supporters of a ban.
Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, accused the Trump administration of flouting the law and ignoring national security risks posed by TikTok under China’s control. He asserted, “An executive order can’t sidestep the law, but that’s exactly what the president is trying to do.”
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