Trump plans executive order to delay TikTok ban and extend time for ByteDance sale

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he will issue an executive order on Monday to delay the U.S. ban on TikTok. This order will give ByteDance, the China-based parent company of the popular app, more time to find an approved buyer before the platform faces a permanent shutdown. The decision follows the removal of TikTok from Google and Apple’s app stores on Saturday, in compliance with a federal law that required ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations by Sunday.

Trump’s executive order is designed to extend the deadline for the sale, as the law permits a 90-day extension if a viable deal is in progress. In his post on Truth Social, Trump explained that the move would prevent TikTok from going offline and ensure no liability for companies helping to keep the app operational. He also expressed interest in a joint venture where the U.S. could hold a 50% ownership stake.

While several offers have been made to acquire TikTok, ByteDance has maintained that it would not sell the app. Trump’s proposal reflects both national security concerns and political considerations, particularly after TikTok became a significant tool in his efforts to connect with younger voters during the 2024 election. In 2020, Trump issued executive orders to ban TikTok and WeChat, though courts blocked those measures.

The law passed in April mandates that TikTok sever ties with its U.S. operations due to national security risks, but no clear buyers have emerged. At present, U.S. users are unable to access TikTok, though the company has pledged to work with the new administration to resolve the issue.