US President Donald Trump has announced his willingness to extend the June 19 deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell its US operations if no agreement is reached by that date. In a pre-recorded interview at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump stated, “I would… I’d like to see it done,” indicating his preference for a resolution but leaving the door open for another extension if negotiations remain incomplete. This marks the third time the deadline has been pushed, with the original ban slated for January, then moved to April, and now to June 19.

The ongoing negotiations involve a plan to transfer TikTok’s US assets into a new, American-owned entity. Talks have stalled, largely due to China’s resistance, especially after the US imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports. Trump has emphasized that the tariffs, now at 145%, have significantly impacted China’s economy, but he insists he will not reduce them solely to facilitate the TikTok deal. However, he suggested that lowering tariffs could be part of a broader agreement if progress is made in other areas.

Trump’s position on TikTok has notably softened since his first term, when he advocated for a ban over national security concerns. He now acknowledges the platform’s influence, particularly in helping him connect with young voters during the 2024 presidential campaign, stating he has a “sweet spot” for the app and that it “will be protected.” Despite bipartisan support in Congress for a divestiture or ban, Trump’s administration has repeatedly delayed enforcement, citing ongoing negotiations and the app’s popularity among Americans.

Critics, including some Democratic senators, argue that Trump lacks the legal authority to continue extending the deadline, as the law requires ByteDance to divest or face a ban. They also question whether the proposed deal would truly sever TikTok’s ties to China. Meanwhile, ByteDance’s US investors are reportedly still seeking a solution, but progress depends heavily on resolving broader US-China trade tensions.