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President Donald Trump has once again delayed the TikTok ban, granting the platform another 90 days to find a U.S.-based buyer or face a potential ban in the United States. The decision pushes the new deadline to September 17, 2025.

This executive order is generating new questions about the app’s future during a highly politically charged atmosphere.

Trump’s TikTok Extension: What It Means

In a post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed that he had signed the executive order for the third extension:

“I’ve just signed the Executive Order extending the Deadline for the TikTok closing for 90 days,” he wrote.

The law mandating TikTok’s sale or ban — citing national security concerns — was set to take effect on January 19, 2025, one day before Trump's inauguration. However, Trump, who has expressed a soft spot for the platform, is now signaling support for keeping it active in the U.S.

“I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” Trump told NBC News in May. “If it needs an extension, I would be willing to give it an extension.”

https://usaherald.com/supreme-court-showdown-the-tiktok-ban-looms-for-u-s-users/

TikTok Responds: “Grateful for Trump’s Leadership”

In a statement issued Thursday, TikTok welcomed the extension, expressing optimism about continuing to serve its 170 million American users:

“We are grateful for President Trump's leadership and support in ensuring that TikTok continues to be available,” the company said.

ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, has acknowledged ongoing negotiations and confirmed that any final deal would be “subject to approval under Chinese law.”

TikTok's Role in US-China Tech Tensions

TikTok has become a focal point in what experts are calling a digital Cold War between the U.S. and China.

“TikTok has become a symbol of the US-China tech rivalry; a flashpoint in the new Cold War for digital control,” said Shweta Singh, a professor at Warwick Business School.

The U.S. government has cited national security concerns, alleging TikTok’s data could be accessed by the Chinese government — a claim TikTok has denied.

Potential Buyers and Business Implications

Several possible outcomes are reportedly being considered:

• Existing U.S. investors in ByteDance may roll their shares into a new independent TikTok entity.
• Oracle and Blackstone are expected to participate in a new ownership structure.
• Oracle already stores TikTok’s U.S. data, and founder Larry Ellison is a known Trump ally.

Still, the fate of TikTok’s core algorithm — the powerful AI that personalizes content — remains uncertain.

“TikTok without its algorithm is like Harry Potter without his wand,” said Forrester Analyst Kelsey Chickering.

What’s Next?

Despite the political uncertainty, TikTok continues to roll out new features. On Monday, the company launched “Symphony,” a suite of AI tools designed for advertisers, allowing them to create videos from words or images.

In the meantime, Trump’s team is working to finalize a deal.

“We will work to ensure this deal is closed so that the American people can continue to use TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe,” the administration stated.

Relevant Links

• MSN: What's Next for TikTok Ban?
• Trump Extends TikTok Deadline Coverage