The ban on TikTok in the United States, which technically took effect on January 19, 2025, continues to be a non-event despite its legal standing.
The app remains under the control of its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, with no successful deal to transfer ownership to a less controversial entity. Instead, President Donald Trump has repeatedly signed executive orders to delay the ban, and a new 90-day extension is now in the works, keeping the app alive for its 170 million active U.S. users.
A Stalemate with No End in Sight
The original law, aimed at addressing national security concerns tied to TikTok’s Chinese ownership, mandated that ByteDance divest the app or face a shutdown. Yet, months later, the status quo persists. Negotiations, which seemed promising in April when ByteDance confirmed direct talks with U.S. officials, have failed to yield a resolution.
A potential deal to hand over majority control to American investors fell apart, reportedly due to trade tensions and Trump’s recent tariffs on China. Rather than enforcing the ban, Washington has hesitated, likely wary of the backlash from millions of users and the economic impact of losing a major platform.
Trump’s Soft Spot for TikTok
Trump’s reluctance to pull the plug may also stem from personal and political interests.
The app played a key role in his 2024 campaign, helping him connect with young voters — a demographic that has historically leaned away from his party.
With his TikTok following growing and the platform credited for boosting his electoral success, the president seems keen to keep the “funny videos” flowing. His administration’s repeated delays — first in January, then in April, and now a third time — suggest a strategy of stalling until a deal materializes or political pressure eases.
Trump has asserted that he has the legal authority to grant these extensions as needed, a claim that has sparked debate.
Critics argue that the law allows only a single 90-day extension under specific conditions, raising questions about the president’s use of executive power to override congressional intent. Nonetheless, Trump remains unfazed, framing the delays as a way to protect American access to TikTok while negotiations with China continue.
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A Game of Patience
The new deadline, expected to push the decision to mid-September, reflects a willingness to drag out the process. Whether this is a calculated move to leverage TikTok in trade talks with China or simply a reluctance to alienate users, the outcome remains uncertain.
ByteDance has signaled that any deal must align with Chinese law, adding another layer of complexity.
For now, TikTok users can breathe easy, but the app’s long-term fate in the U.S. hangs in the balance as the clock ticks toward the next deadline.
