U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he may allow ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, more time to divest its American business operations. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, Trump stated he might consider pushing back the June 19 deadline originally set for ByteDance to sell its stake in TikTok¡¯s U.S. operations. His comments reflect continued scrutiny surrounding the Chinese-owned video-sharing app and its impact on American users, particularly younger demographics.
Trump emphasized TikTok¡¯s importance in his 2024 presidential campaign strategy, suggesting that the app¡¯s influence among younger voters plays a role in his considerations. Back in May, he had already mentioned the possibility of extending the divestment deadline, citing TikTok¡¯s role in helping him reach a broader, younger audience. This latest statement reiterates that TikTok¡¯s political reach is a factor in the administration¡¯s evolving position on the matter.
This is not the first time the ban has been postponed. Trump has previously delayed the action against TikTok twice, with reported support from his attorney general. The latest deadline, set for later this month, might now be extended again as the situation remains unresolved. According to The Wall Street Journal, an additional delay is being actively considered.
While ByteDance had maintained during President Biden¡¯s term that it had no plans to sell TikTok, the company recently confirmed it is in discussions with the Trump administration. Talks began in April to find a possible resolution concerning its U.S. operations. However, ByteDance has clarified that any sale or agreement will require approval from Chinese authorities before moving forward.
As the divestment deadline nears, TikTok¡¯s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, with politics and diplomacy at play.
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