- Trump signed an order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to avoid immediate enforcement of a U.S. ban.
- The law requires ByteDance to sell an 80% stake in TikTok, though Trump proposed a 50-50 ownership split with U.S. entities.
- China indicated potential openness to a partial sale, while bipartisan concerns over TikTok’s security risks persist.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday granting TikTok a 75-day reprieve from a U.S. law requiring its owner, ByteDance, to sell its stake in the app. The extension temporarily halts enforcement of the law while the administration decides on next steps.
Temporary Relief for TikTok
The executive order prevents the Department of Justice from enforcing the law or penalizing companies working with TikTok during this period. Trump cited the need to assess an appropriate course of action, especially after TikTok resumed U.S. service on Sunday to broadcast his inauguration.
The Future of TikTok Ownership
The law, passed under President Biden, mandates that ByteDance sell an 80% stake in TikTok to a U.S. entity. Trump proposed a 50-50 ownership split between ByteDance and the U.S., but legal and political hurdles remain unclear. Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry signaled potential openness to a partial sale, marking a shift in tone.
Concerns Over Security and Propaganda
ByteDance’s ties to Beijing have sparked bipartisan concerns about TikTok as a national security risk. The extension doesn’t repeal the law, leaving TikTok’s fate tied to future negotiations and possible acquisition deals with U.S. investors. For now, the app’s availability hangs in the balance.
