WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump has indicated that he may extend the deadline for TikTok to avoid a ban in the United States.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump suggested he is considering a 90-day extension for the social media app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance.
This decision is under review as Trump prepares to reassume office, with the inauguration scheduled for Monday.
The potential extension stems from ongoing concerns over national security and data privacy. U.S. officials have raised issues about TikTok’s data handling and its possible links to the Chinese government. These concerns have led to discussions about the future of the app in the U.S.
In 2020, Trump’s administration attempted to ban TikTok, citing national security risks. However, the proposed ban faced legal challenges and was not fully implemented.
Negotiations and legal battles followed, with U.S. companies like Oracle and Walmart showing interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations.
TikTok has denied allegations of sharing user data with the Chinese government, asserting that user data is stored securely and that it is willing to work with U.S. authorities to address security concerns.
The 90-day extension could provide TikTok with more time to explore solutions, including potential partnerships or restructuring, to address national security issues. The company remains popular in the U.S., with millions of active users and a growing user base across various demographics.
