West Palm Beach, 5 April

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday granting TikTok a 75-day extension to continue operating in the U.S. as his administration negotiates a deal to bring the app under American ownership. The move aims to prevent a ban that was set to take effect over national security concerns.

Talks had progressed toward a plan where TikTok would be spun off into a U.S.-based entity, majority-owned by American investors. ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, would retain a minority stake. However, China stalled the deal following Trump's announcement of new global tariffs.

Although Congress required TikTok to divest from China by January 19, Trump opted to delay enforcement in hopes of finalizing an agreement. ByteDance has confirmed discussions are ongoing but stated no agreement has been finalized, and any deal would need China’s approval.

Cybersecurity experts warn that if ByteDance retains control over TikTok’s algorithm, U.S. data privacy concerns remain unresolved.

Critics argue Trump’s delay skirts legal limits, as the law only allows a 90-day reprieve if Congress is formally notified of a pending deal. “This is a non-enforcement decision, not a lawful extension,” said Alan Rozenshtein, law professor at the University of Minnesota.

While some TikTok creators welcomed the temporary relief, others expressed frustration over the ongoing uncertainty. A Pew Research Center study shows Americans remain divided, with only one-third now supporting a ban.

Trump remains optimistic: “We’ve made tremendous progress. This extension gives us time to finalize the deal.”

Still, questions about data control and the law’s enforcement continue to cloud TikTok’s future in the U.S.