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Trump Considers Extending TikTok Deadline Again Amid Ongoing Talks

By  |  June 17, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that he may once again push back the deadline for ByteDance, the China-based parent company of TikTok, to divest its U.S. operations, as discussions over the app’s future remain unresolved.

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    Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated a likely extension of the current June 19 deadline, echoing his earlier comments from May. According to Reuters, the president remarked, “Probably, yeah,” when asked whether he would prolong the deadline. He added, “Probably have to get China approval but I think we’ll get it. I think President Xi will ultimately approve it.”

    This potential move would mark the third time Trump has delayed enforcement of the divestment order. As reported by Reuters, the initial extension came via executive order on January 20—his first day back in office—after TikTok briefly went offline following a congressional ban that was later upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. A second extension followed in April, when talks to create a U.S.-controlled spinoff of the app were underway. That deal eventually fell through after Beijing withdrew support in response to Trump’s tariff-related actions.

    Related: Trump Says TikTok Agreement Will Not Mirror US Steel Deal

    The future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, as negotiations between Washington and ByteDance continue with no finalized agreement in sight. It remains unclear how many more extensions the president is willing—or able—to authorize, particularly as legal and political pressure mounts.

    TikTok, a popular short-form video app, has become an unexpected asset for Trump’s 2024 campaign. Since joining the platform last year, the former president has gained more than 15 million followers. He has acknowledged the app’s influence in reaching younger voters, even stating earlier this year that he has a “warm spot for TikTok,” Reuters noted.

    While national security concerns around Chinese data access continue to drive the push for divestment, the administration’s evolving stance has highlighted the complex interplay between technology, geopolitics, and election strategy.

    Source: Reuters