Trump Considers 90-Day TikTok Extension Amid Looming Ban

In an exclusive interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker, President-elect Donald Trump revealed that he will "most likely" grant TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid a U.S. ban. This decision comes as the deadline for TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell to a non-Chinese buyer approaches, posing potential disruptions for the app's 170 million American users.

Trump Considers 90-Day TikTok Extension

Extension and Legal Context

The extension, permissible under a bipartisan law, aims to provide more time for a divestiture deal while ensuring compliance with national security concerns. Trump stated, "The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate."

The Biden administration, currently handling the transition, has opted not to enforce the law, leaving the responsibility to Trump. TikTok has indicated it will "go dark" unless clear assurances are provided, prompting urgency in reaching a resolution.

Implications for TikTok and Users

If the extension is granted, TikTok must demonstrate significant progress in divesting from ByteDance, backed by binding legal agreements. Without an extension, the app faces potential shutdown starting January 19, with service providers like Apple and Google at risk of facing penalties for noncompliance.

Ahead of the Supreme Court's ruling, which upheld the law, Trump expressed his intention to review the situation before making a final decision. TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration, reflecting ongoing discussions about the app's future in the U.S.

Path Forward

Trump's decision on TikTok will be closely watched, as it could have significant ramifications for the tech industry and U.S.-China relations. The president-elect's approach marks a shift from his previous stance, indicating potential openness to allowing the app to remain available to American users.

As Trump prepares to take office, the outcome of TikTok's situation remains uncertain, with the possibility of further legal and regulatory developments on the horizon.