In a move that shifts the trajectory of TikTok’s future in the United States, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order granting the popular social media platform a 75-day reprieve. This delay temporarily suspends the enforcement of a law requiring the app to be sold to a U.S.-based entity or face a complete ban. Previously, the “Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” mandated that TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, divest its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025.
The order instructs the U.S. Department of Justice to hold off on implementing the ban, allowing time for a more structured resolution. The administration stated that this delay is aimed at balancing national security concerns with avoiding disruptions to millions of Americans who use the app daily.
This decision marks a significant change in President Trump’s stance on TikTok since his initial push to ban the app in 2020. When asked about his reconsideration, Trump cited his personal experience with the platform, saying, “I got to use it.” He acknowledged its youthful audience, noting, “If China is gathering data on kids through TikTok, then we’ve got bigger national security concerns to focus on.”
TikTok briefly halted its U.S. operations over the weekend when the ban went into effect. However, services resumed following the announcement of the executive order. ByteDance has so far resisted selling its U.S. operations, despite the Supreme Court upholding the government’s authority to require divestiture.
The 75-day extension provides a window for further negotiations, though the outcome remains uncertain. While President Trump has suggested the U.S. government should benefit financially from any sale, the Chinese company has yet to confirm any intention to finalize a deal.
This move is part of a broader set of executive actions recently signed by Trump, including reversing several initiatives from the previous administration. The TikTok decision underscores ongoing debates about balancing national security interests with preserving digital freedoms in the United States.
Author: Hassan Ahmad
