Donald Trump has extended the deadline for a potential TikTok ban again.
He pushed the deadline back another 75 days.
Trump explained that the deal between ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, and the US government “requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed.”
He also said he “understands” China’s frustration over the US’s “reciprocal tariffs.”
According to Sky News, China stalled the deal to sell its US operations after Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. These tariffs raised US taxes on Chinese goods from 20% to 54%. China plans to retaliate with a 34% tariff on US products starting April 10.
TikTok faced a potential ban unless ByteDance sold its US operations to a non-Chinese buyer.
Trump signed an executive order in January to delay the deadline and give both sides more time to negotiate.
On Friday, Trump expressed hope for a deal, stating, “We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the deal.”
ByteDance, in a statement on WeChat, confirmed that it continues talks with the US government. However, it added, “No agreement has been reached and the two sides still have differences on many key issues.”
ByteDance clarified that Chinese law requires a review procedure for any agreement.
Trump has suggested that he might reduce tariffs to help finalize the TikTok deal. He has met with four groups about the deal but hasn’t disclosed their identities.
The proposed deal would give US-based investors control over TikTok’s US operations, while ByteDance would maintain a minority stake of less than 20%.
Despite the delay, the Trump administration remains optimistic about a resolution.
Both major US political parties have raised concerns that TikTok could be used for espionage by China.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
