Trump signals possible TikTok extension as sale deadline nears
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - With TikTok’s deadline to sell to an American buyer approaching, President Donald Trump says he may once again step in to prevent a nationwide ban on the popular social media app.
Under a law passed earlier this year, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, has until April 5 to sell the platform to a U.S.-based buyer. However, a deal has yet to materialize.
“We're going to have a form of a deal, but if it's not finished, it's not a big deal, we'll just extend it,” Trump told reporters Wednesday.
Several American tech executives have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, but negotiations remain stalled. In a last-minute attempt to gain China’s cooperation, Trump suggested he might consider easing newly imposed tariffs.
“Sounds like something I'd do,” he said.
China, however, has pushed back against the U.S. mandate. Its foreign ministry reiterated opposition to what it calls “economic coercion and bullying.”
TikTok has repeatedly refused to divest from ByteDance, arguing that U.S. user data is not at risk. The company has not commented on Trump’s latest remarks.
Lawmakers, including those who overwhelmingly supported the law requiring TikTok’s sale, have criticized the possibility of an extension.
“It was deemed by our national security experts that this Chinese-held company was a risk… That has not changed,” said Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.).
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) questioned Trump’s motives, saying, “I don’t know what he's trying to do… I think he's trying to cut a deal with some of his friends.”
The law allows for a one-time, 90-day extension. Trump previously granted a 70-day extension on his first day back in office, but it remains unclear how long another delay might last.
Meanwhile, public support for a TikTok ban appears to be waning. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 34% of U.S. adults favor banning the app, down from 50% in 2023.