President Donald Trump has given TikTok a 75-day extension to adhere to US regulations mandating its sale or ban. Signed on Monday, the presidential order halts the implementation of laws signed under former President Joe Biden last year.
In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump stated that affluent people were lobbying him on the app, saying, “I tell you what. Every rich person has called me about TikTok.” Previously advocating for TikTok’s ban in 2020, Trump proposes a 50-50 joint venture between ByteDance and the United States.
Big technology executives, including TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew, attended Trump’s inauguration on Monday. However, Trump has provided no specifics on how this would function. He hinted at using trade tariffs against China if it rejects a deal over TikTok’s ownership, stating that it would be a hostile act.
American users faced disruptions on TikTok on Saturday after a Supreme Court upheld the law banning it came into effect. The app resumed services to its US base of 170 million users after Trump promised an executive order upon taking office.
However, it remains unavailable for download in Apple and Google app stores. The Biden administration claimed national security concerns and alleged potential Chinese espionage via TikTok.
Critics of the TikTok ban argue it infringes on freedom of speech. ByteDance had ignored the law requiring it to sell US operations, prompting Supreme Court action. Trump’s move has drawn criticism from Republicans.
The Republicans included Senator Tom Cotton, who warned of substantial fines against TikTok’s enablers. Cotton said liability could arise under shareholder lawsuits, state attorney general, or securities law.
