TikTok Deadline Extended
US President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Baedance to cancel its TikTok operations in the United States by an additional 75 days.
“My administration worked very hard on the deal to save TikTok, and we have made significant progress,” the president announced on Truth Social on Friday (April 4), just one day before the original deadline of April 5.
“The transaction requires additional time to ensure the signing of all necessary permits, so I am signing an executive order to save TikTok for another 75 days.”
Negotiations and Investor Interest
This marks the second delay for the social media platform. Earlier this year, shortly after taking office, Trump signed a 75-day extension for TikTok to continue operating in the United States amid efforts to find a buyer.
The extended deadline has attracted several potential investors looking to purchase TikTok’s American operations. Reported buyers include Amazon, Oracle, billionaire Frank McCourt, and Jesse Tinsley, founder of Payroll Company Employer.com, as well as Tim Stockeli, the creator of an adult entertainment platform, OnlyFans, among others.
Trump’s latest extension pushes the deadline to mid-June, giving TikTok time to either sell its U.S. business or face a nationwide ban in accordance with legislation that Congress adopted in April 2024, which was signed into law by former President Joe Biden.
“The transaction requires more work to ensure the signing of all the necessary permits, so I sign an executive order to save TikTok for another 75 days.”
Donald Trump, US President
Reuters reported over the weekend, citing sources that the nearly completed transaction (as of April 2) could jeopardize TikTok’s operations in the United States under the new rules, which would favor U.S. investors, with Bytedance retaining a minority share of 20% as stipulated by the new law.
International Tensions and Future Prospects
However, negotiations collapsed on Thursday (April 3), according to Associated Press, following Trump’s announcement of sweeping global tariffs that raised duties on Chinese imports by an additional 34%, bringing the total tariff rate on Chinese goods to 54%.
In retaliation, China announced a 34% tariff increase on all U.S. imports starting Thursday (April 10).
“This practice by the United States does not adhere to international trade rules, seriously undermines China’s legitimate rights and interests, and exemplifies typical one-sided bullying,” stated the Commission on Tariffs of the State Council in a statement on Friday (April 4).
China also implemented export restrictions on key rare-earth elements for all countries on Friday. A Chinese Association of Rare Earth Metals spokesperson stated that this move is not expected to disrupt the stability of the international supply chain.
“China has repeatedly stated its position on TikTok. We uphold and protect the legal rights and interests of enterprises against practices that violate the fundamental principles of a market economy.”
Chinese Embassy in Washington
Meanwhile, Access reported that Baedance representatives contacted the White House to inform them that China would not approve the TikTok deal if discussions regarding tariffs are not held.
“China has consistently declared its stance on TikTok. We uphold and protect the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises against practices that contradict the basic principles of a market economy,” the Chinese embassy in Washington was quoted by Reuters when asked about the status of the TikTok transaction.
Baedance acknowledged the situation, stating in a statement via WeChat on Saturday, “(we) are still negotiating with the US government, but there has been no agreement, and both sides still have differences on many key issues.”
“In compliance with Chinese legislation, any agreement is subject to relevant review procedures,” Baedance reported.
This hesitance from Baedance was driven by concerns that the Chinese government could utilize TikTok to gather data on American users or engage in influence operations.
TikTok, which claims to have over 170 million users in the USA, has repeatedly denied these allegations.
Meanwhile, Trump stated “We hope to continue to engage in good faith with China, which, as I understand, is not pleased with our mutual tariffs (necessary for fair and balanced trade between China and the USA!).
“This demonstrates that tariffs are the strongest economic tool and vital for our national security! We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark.’ We are eager to collaborate with TikTok and China to finalize the deal.
Trump grants TikTok ban extension as US deal falters over tariffs
