The Future of TikTok in the US: Uncertainty Looms as Deadline Approaches
The ongoing debate surrounding the fate of TikTok in the US continues as bipartisan critics are preoccupied with other pressing matters, potentially leading to a lack of opposition if President Trump extends the deadline for the app to divest in the country. Sources close to the White House and Congress suggest that Trump may opt to let TikTok "go dark" or grant it another extension, with the latter being more likely due to his affinity for the app and ongoing trade negotiations with China. The possibility of a 75-day extension to keep TikTok operational is high, as Congress is focused on other legislative priorities, such as the Big Beautiful Bill and tax cuts, leaving little room for significant pushback against a potential extension.
Despite TikTok's denial of being a surveillance tool for the Chinese Communist Party, doubts persist, leading to previous attempts by Trump to ban the app. However, TikTok received temporary reprieves through executive orders and extensions, with the latest extension granted in April as a deal to transfer ownership to a majority US company was in progress. The deal, led by tech giant Oracle, faces challenges amid the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, complicating the future of TikTok in the country.