Trump Extends TikTok Sale Deadline by 75 Days

In a recent announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to extend the deadline for the sale of the popular short video platform TikTok by an additional 75 days. Despite reports of significant progress in negotiations regarding the app, Trump indicated that more time is needed to reach a conclusive agreement. The initial deadline was set to expire at midnight local time on April 5, 2025.

In his statement, Trump expressed optimism about achieving a resolution with TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, as well as with Chinese authorities. The deadline extension comes amid ongoing discussions about whether the deal will be accepted by China, which has signaled potential resistance following Trump's recent tariff announcements.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington emphasized that China has always respected and protected the legitimate rights and interests of companies. They voiced concerns about practices that contradict the fundamental principles of market economy, particularly regarding the potential TikTok deal.

ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, confirmed that negotiations with the U.S. government are still underway but acknowledged the existence of unresolved issues between the two parties. The company communicated through WeChat, stating that while discussions are ongoing, no agreement has yet been reached, and significant differences remain regarding several critical points.

The urgency of this situation stems from a law passed by the U.S. Congress, which mandates that ByteDance must sell its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban of the platform. Initially, Trump had postponed the deadline to April 5, and on Thursday, he hinted at a near resolution, stating that discussions were progressing with a promising group of investors. However, he refrained from disclosing specific details about the investors involved.

Moreover, Trump suggested that the TikTok negotiations could be tied to broader trade discussions with China, particularly concerning U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. When questioned about his willingness to negotiate tariffs, he indicated readiness to engage, provided that there are favorable outcomes, such as a successful TikTok deal.

This development underscores the complex interplay between the U.S. government and Chinese businesses, particularly in the tech sector. The outcome of the TikTok sale could have significant implications for U.S.-China relations and the future of the app in the American market.