Trump Extends TikTok Shutdown Deadline Again, Talks with China Continue
President Donald Trump has once again extended the deadline for the shutdown of TikTok in the United States, marking the fourth time during his current term. The new deadline has been set for December 16, following discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the future of the popular Chinese-owned short video app. Talks between the US and China in Madrid resulted in a "framework" for resolving issues related to TikTok, as confirmed by senior Chinese trade negotiator Li Chenggang. Trump hinted at a potential deal on Truth Social, a platform he recently joined, and mentioned that he would discuss the matter with Xi Jinping on Friday to determine the app's fate.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed on CNBC that a "framework" had been established with Chinese negotiators after Trump expressed a willingness to let TikTok cease operations. The sale-or-ban law, signed by former President Joe Biden, allowed for a one-time 90-day extension of the original shutdown deadline if significant progress towards a sale was made. Despite the repeated extensions of the deadline by Trump, the administration has not faced any legal challenges regarding this matter. The ongoing discussions between the US and China highlight the complexities surrounding the future of TikTok in the United States.