Trump Extends TikTok Ban Delay Until December 16

President Donald Trump has signed his fourth executive order postponing enforcement of the TikTok sell-off legislation, extending the deadline until December 16, 2025. This latest executive order continues to prevent US authorities from enforcing the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” which technically banned TikTok when it took effect on January 20, 2025.

Ongoing Negotiations Complicate Sale Process

The repeated delays highlight the complexity of arranging a sale that satisfies both US legal requirements and Chinese government approval. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, faces pressure from Chinese officials who want to ensure fair business practices and maintain some control over the negotiations. These discussions have become integral to broader US-China trade talks as the Trump administration pushes for more American-based business operations.

Proposed Deal Structure Raises Questions

Recent reports suggest the emerging deal structure may not fully address the original legislation’s concerns. The proposed arrangement would see US partners lease TikTok’s algorithm from China rather than purchasing it outright, potentially maintaining the platform’s current functionality while failing to eliminate foreign influence. Additionally, the US government would reportedly gain a board seat in the new TikTok US entity.

While negotiators now have another 90 days to finalize terms, questions remain about whether this approach aligns with the bill’s original intent to protect American users from foreign-controlled applications. The ongoing saga demonstrates the challenges of balancing national security concerns with complex international business relationships in the digital age.