- President Trump grants TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with U.S. regulations, delaying enforcement of a potential ban.
- Trump hints at a possible 50-50 joint venture between the U.S. and ByteDance to address national security concerns.
- TikTok resumes services in the U.S., reigniting debates over privacy, freedom of speech, and tech policy.
President Trump signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with legislation requiring the platform’s sale or banning.
During this period, the enforcement of the law passed under the Biden administration will be paused.
The order, part of several directives signed Monday evening, marks a shift in Trump’s stance. Addressing reporters in the Oval Office, he quipped, “Every rich person has called me about TikTok,” and explained his change of heart since his 2020 attempt to ban the app: “Because I got to use it.” He floated the idea of a 50-50 partnership between the U.S. and ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, but provided no further details.
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TikTok briefly ceased operations for U.S. users on Saturday after a ban, citing national security concerns, took effect. However, services resumed after Trump announced plans for the extension. Critics of the ban cite freedom of speech, while proponents argue the platform poses risks of espionage and political manipulation.
ByteDance has repeatedly resisted selling its U.S. operations despite legal mandates upheld by the Supreme Court last Friday. The law came into effect Sunday, but the Biden administration deferred its enforcement to Trump’s incoming team.
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Trump’s decision has drawn criticism from some Republicans, including Senator Tom Cotton, who warned of potential fines and liabilities for entities facilitating TikTok operations. Meanwhile, prominent figures, including tech executives and celebrities, have expressed interest in acquiring the platform.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew attended Trump’s inauguration alongside tech leaders Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. On the same day, YouTube star MrBeast teased an official bid to purchase TikTok, describing the offer as “crazy.” Other potential buyers reportedly include X owner Musk and “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary.
