TikTok has been handed another lifeline as President Donald Trump approved a second 75-day extension, giving the platform more time to seal a deal that could keep it operating in the United States.
The move delays enforcement of a new law requiring the Chinese-owned app to sell its US operations or face a nationwide ban.
Trump emphasized on Truth Social that the intention is not to shut down the app, which boasts more than 170 million users in the US. “We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark,’” he wrote, while expressing willingness to work with ByteDance and Chinese authorities to finalize an agreement.
ByteDance confirmed ongoing discussions with US officials but noted that critical issues remain unresolved. “Any agreement will be subject to approval under Chinese law,” a company spokesperson said on Friday.
This is the second such extension since Trump returned to office in January. The previous deadline was set to expire on Saturday. With the new extension, stakeholders hope to wrap up negotiations and secure all necessary regulatory approvals.
Trump’s decision to extend the deadline comes amid rising trade tensions between the US and China. A deal reportedly close to completion fell apart this week after Trump introduced sweeping global tariffs, prompting China to withdraw its approval.
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Sources familiar with the stalled negotiations say ByteDance had received backing from current and prospective investors, as well as US government officials. A plan was in place for Trump to sign an order granting a 120-day window for finalizing the transaction, but that was put on hold.
Despite the setback, several potential buyers have shown interest in acquiring TikTok. Amazon reportedly submitted a last-minute offer, though it has declined to comment publicly. Other notable contenders include Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, billionaire Frank McCourt, and Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary.
Tech giants and investment firms such as Microsoft, Blackstone, Andreessen Horowitz, and AI company Perplexity AI are also said to be eyeing the deal. Trump stated that his administration is in communication with four different groups considering a purchase.
Vice-President JD Vance is leading the effort to secure a buyer for the app. Trump also hinted at a broader trade negotiation with China, suggesting a possible deal that includes tariff relief in exchange for approval of the TikTok sale.
As talks continue, both the US and Chinese governments remain under pressure to find a resolution. “We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China,” Trump wrote, adding that tariffs remain a key tool in protecting national security.
Reported by BBC
