If you’re a TikTok user in the United States, there’s still some uncertainty about the app’s future. Former President Donald Trump, who previously set deadlines for TikTok’s U.S. operations to be sold, has now said he may delay the ban again.
In an interview aired on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Trump shared that he is open to extending the current deadline if a deal isn’t finalised. The deadline, which is currently set for June 19, could be pushed back once more.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t say this, but I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” Trump admitted during the interview.
His comments follow previous decisions to grant extensions after Congress passed a law last year requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform’s U.S. operations to American buyers.
Previous delays and ongoing negotiations
When the law first took effect in January, TikTok was briefly banned. However, Trump decided to delay the ban by 90 days, allowing time for a potential deal. He also mentioned he preferred a joint venture involving American ownership but did not provide further details on who might be involved.
Then, in April, when the first extension was set to expire, Trump gave the company another 75 days to find a solution. At the time, he remarked that the Chinese government, which must approve any sale, wasn’t too pleased with the U.S. government’s Reciprocal Tariffs.
This background highlights the tricky balance between politics, business, and global relations, particularly between the United States and China. ByteDance and Chinese regulators must approve any deal involving TikTok, making the situation more complex.
Users and businesses left in limbo
This uncertainty is frustrating for TikTok users and content creators. Many have built entire careers and businesses using the app. A forced shutdown or change in ownership could impact their work, income, and audience.
Businesses that rely on TikTok for marketing also face challenges. Ad campaigns and outreach strategies are being held up as they wait to see what happens. Each delay buys them more time, but the ongoing threat of a ban casts a shadow over their plans.
While Trump’s recent comments may offer some relief, they don’t provide a clear answer about the app’s long-term future in the U.S. It’s clear he has a personal soft spot for TikTok, but decisions will ultimately depend on whether ByteDance agrees to a deal that satisfies both U.S. lawmakers and Chinese regulators.
For now, all eyes are on the June 19 deadline. Whether or not a deal is reached in time, another delay could keep TikTok alive in the U.S. just a bit longer.
