President-elect Donald Trump has stated he will "most likely" grant a 90-day extension to the Chinese-owned app TikTok, postponing a potential US ban. Speaking to NBC News on Saturday,
Trump suggested he would allow the parent company of the app more time to secure a sale to a non-Chinese buyer, avoiding a ban mandated under US law.
“I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at,” Trump remarked in the phone interview. “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it’s appropriate. You know, it’s appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It’s a very big situation.”
He further indicated he may announce the decision on Monday, the day of his inauguration.
Ongoing Uncertainty Amid Legal and Administrative Transition
Trump’s comments come after the outgoing Biden administration deferred the issue to its successor, while TikTok has sought clarity on its legal standing. The app had warned it would "go dark" on Sunday unless it received assurances from the government. However, outgoing White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed TikTok's plans as a publicity stunt.
“This is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office,” Jean-Pierre said in a statement. “We have laid out our position clearly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration.”
Under US law, the president can authorize an extension if progress toward divestiture is evident and a legal framework is in place. However, no binding agreement has yet been disclosed.
TikTok Seeks Resolution
The US Supreme Court recently upheld the law banning TikTok unless the app’s ownership changes, further intensifying the pressure. TikTok CEO Shou Chew, expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, expressed gratitude for the president-elect’s willingness to explore a resolution.
“I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States,” Chew stated in a video message. “This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.”
As the new administration assumes office, TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain, with decisions expected to unfold in the coming days. Photo by Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia commons.
