TikTok gets 75-day lifeline from Trump amid ownership standoff

Trump signed an order Monday to keep TikTok running for 75 days, easing user concerns but raising security issues

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TikTok's future remains uncertain despite President Trump’s decision to halt a ban on the platform. Experts argue the executive order may face legal challenges, as federal law explicitly mandates ByteDance’s divestment.

"The president's authority to retroactively apply a 90-day extension is questionable," said Sarah Kreps of Cornell University’s Tech Policy Institute. Lawmakers who backed the ban voiced concerns about undermining legislative authority, with Speaker Mike Johnson reaffirming that ByteDance’s ownership poses a “dangerous” risk.

The ban’s enforcement hinges on tech giants like Apple, Google, and Oracle. Oracle, a key cloud provider for TikTok, faces scrutiny over its compliance with federal contracts, while app stores cite legal obligations as the reason for halting downloads.

Despite the pause, questions about TikTok’s long-term viability persist, with Beijing's evolving stance potentially paving the way for negotiations. As legislative, executive, and corporate stakeholders navigate the impasse, millions of U.S. users await clarity on the platform’s fate.