In a phone interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker on Saturday, President-elect Donald Trump revealed that he is “most likely” to grant TikTok a 90-day extension to comply with U.S. regulations, delaying a potential ban. The decision follows the Sunday deadline for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations to a non-Chinese buyer.
“I think a 90-day extension is something we’re looking at,” Trump said. “It’s appropriate, given the situation. If I decide to proceed, I’ll announce it on Monday.”
This extension aligns with the bipartisan law enacted last year, allowing the president to approve a one-time reprieve if specific conditions are met. However, with the current compliance deadline falling on Sunday, TikTok could still face temporary shutdown before the extension is formalized.
TikTok’s Future in Limbo
The Biden administration, which initially passed the law in April, has deferred enforcement to the incoming Trump administration. TikTok, meanwhile, has expressed concern over the lack of clarity, warning that it may have to cease operations in the U.S. on January 19 if assurances are not provided to its service providers.
“We need greater clarity and assurance about the potential legal fallout,” TikTok said in a statement Friday.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed TikTok’s shutdown warnings as a “stunt,” stating, “Actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. TikTok should direct their concerns to them.”
Legal and Political Developments
The Supreme Court upheld the law on Friday, rejecting TikTok’s arguments that it violated free speech. In response, Trump indicated he would review the situation carefully before making a final decision.
“The Supreme Court decision was expected, and we must respect it. My decision on TikTok will come soon,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump’s current stance marks a departure from his first term, during which he signed executive orders attempting to ban TikTok and other Chinese apps like WeChat, citing national security concerns. The courts later blocked those efforts. His reversal comes after meeting with an American investor in TikTok.
Security Concerns and Public Reaction
Lawmakers have pushed for TikTok’s sale or ban, citing ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government and the app’s collection of personal data from U.S. users. Despite these concerns, TikTok’s popularity has led to significant public backlash against a potential ban.
What’s Next?
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday, alongside other tech executives. As negotiations continue, the future of TikTok remains uncertain, with over 170 million U.S. users eagerly awaiting resolution.
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