Trump Hints at 90-Day TikTok Lifeline to Dodge US Ban

During a recent NBC News interview, President-elect Donald Trump suggested he may extend TikTok’s operations in the U.S. by granting the platform a 90-day reprieve once he assumes office on Monday. The discussion arises as a law banning TikTok from being distributed through mobile app stores and internet hosting services is set to take effect this Sunday.

The legislation, enacted by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden, mandated that TikTok’s parent company, which is based in China, must divest its U.S. operations within nine months or face restrictions. Importantly, this law provides the incoming president the authority to extend this timeline if the sale is ongoing.

“I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at,” Trump stated, emphasizing the need for careful consideration regarding the platform’s future. He added that he would likely announce his decision on Monday, implying a careful approach to a complex situation.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, along with Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, made it clear that the Biden administration will defer to Trump regarding the law’s repercussions due to the timing of his inauguration. TikTok, seeking clarity, requested an assurance from the Biden administration that it would not pursue enforcement of the law against U.S. companies such as Apple and Google if they continue to host the app.

In response to TikTok’s request for an official statement, the White House described the company’s actions as a “stunt.” Jean-Pierre reiterated that TikTok and other affected businesses should communicate their concerns to the incoming administration, as actions to enforce the law will begin with them.

Companies such as Apple, Google, and Oracle, which hosts TikTok data, remain silent about their plans as the ban approaches. The situation remains fluid, with key decisions about TikTok’s future expected in the coming days.