Update on TikTok’s US Operations

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he intends to sign an executive order allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US for an additional 75 days. This move is aimed at facilitating a potential sale of the social media platform. Trump made this announcement on Truth Social, a platform he owns, despite the US Constitution’s emoluments clause, which prohibits the president from profiting from their position.

A Deal in the Works

According to Trump, his administration has been working diligently to negotiate a deal to save TikTok. "My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress," Trump wrote on Truth Social. He stated that the deal requires further work to secure necessary approvals, prompting the need for an executive order to keep TikTok operational for an additional 75 days.

Global Trade Tensions

Trump also mentioned his efforts to work with Chinese officials, as TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, is based in China. He acknowledged that China is unhappy with the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US, which Trump believes are essential for fair and balanced trade. The announcement of broad tariffs on virtually every country has led to market instability, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeting over 1,600 points. China has responded with its own 24% tariff on US goods.

TikTok’s Uncertain Future

The fate of TikTok in the US remains uncertain, with a potential ban looming if a sale is not completed within the extended timeframe. Congress passed a law in 2024 requiring Bytedance to sell TikTok to American interests or face a ban. Several potential buyers, including Amazon and Oracle, have expressed interest, but Bytedance has reportedly shown reluctance to sell. The main obstacle appears to be TikTok’s algorithm, which China considers proprietary technology that cannot be exported to foreign adversaries like the US.

A Potential Solution

Trump expressed his desire to work with TikTok and China to finalize a deal, stating, "We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark.’ We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal." The new 75-day extension provides a temporary reprieve for TikTok, but the company’s long-term future in the US remains uncertain. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the outcome will have significant implications for the social media landscape and global trade relations.