President Trump has extended a lifeline to TikTok by giving its parent company, ByteDance, an additional 75 days to find a buyer for the popular app. This decision comes after ByteDance refused to sell the platform, stating that they would rather shut down TikTok completely. The initial deadline for the sale was set for January 19, with the threat of TikTok being removed from US-based app stores like Apple and Google Play looming.
The US government’s concerns about national security risks associated with TikTok stem from fears that the Chinese Communist Party could potentially access a vast amount of American user data through the platform. In response to these concerns, Congress passed a “divest-or-ban” legislation last year, which was signed into law by President Biden. National security experts have also raised worries about TikTok being used as a propaganda tool against the US.
The Supreme Court upheld the forced divestiture law on January 17, solidifying the government’s stance on the matter. President Trump, who had previously attempted to ban TikTok during his first administration, now believes that the platform played a crucial role in helping him connect with younger voters during the 2024 campaign. This change of heart was influenced by GOP megadonor Jeff Yass, who owns a significant stake in ByteDance.
Despite Trump’s newfound support for TikTok, his position has put him at odds with China hawks within the GOP, such as Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton. While some critics accused TikTok of engaging in a publicity stunt when the platform briefly went offline, it later came back online after Trump announced his plans to intervene. With an estimated user base of 170 million in the US, Trump emphasized that TikTok’s value is contingent upon his approval.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s presence at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, in the Capitol Rotunda, highlighted the platform’s significance in the political landscape. As the saga surrounding TikTok’s future continues, the negotiations for a potential sale will likely intensify as ByteDance navigates the complex web of national security concerns and corporate interests.
