By Dennis Byron & Lynn Garner
April 4, 2025
Washington, D.C. — In a significant development, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order extending the deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest its U.S. operations by an additional 75 days.This extension aims to provide more time to finalize a deal that would allow the popular social media platform to continue operating in the United States under American ownership.
Background of the TikTok Controversy
The extension comes in the wake of bipartisan concerns regarding national security risks associated with TikTok’s Chinese ownership. In 2024, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, mandating that ByteDance divest from TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. The law was upheld by the Supreme Court, emphasizing the necessity of addressing potential security threats.
On January 18, 2025, TikTok suspended its services in the U.S. in compliance with the law. However, following President Trump’s inauguration on January 20, he issued an executive order granting a 75-day non-enforcement period, allowing negotiations for a potential sale to proceed. This initial extension was set to expire on April 5, prompting the current additional 75-day extension.
President Trump’s Statement and Rationale
President Trump expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations, stating that significant progress has been made toward a resolution. He emphasized the need for additional time to secure the necessary approvals to finalize the deal, underscoring his desire to avoid the app shutting down in the United States.
Legal and Security Implications
Legal experts have noted that the extension represents a unilateral non-enforcement rather than a legal reprieve, meaning that existing violations and security risks remain as ByteDance retains control of TikTok’s algorithm and user data.Cybersecurity specialists stress that without transferring data and algorithm control to a U.S. entity, the potential risks persist.
Public and Creator Community Response
Public opinion on the potential TikTok ban has evolved, with a recent Pew Research survey indicating that only one-third of Americans now support a ban, down from 50% in 2023. Content creators, who rely on the platform for their livelihoods, have expressed fatigue over the uncertainty and are calling for a clearer resolution.
Potential Buyers and Ongoing Negotiations
Several U.S. companies, including Amazon, Blackstone, Oracle, and AppLovin, have reportedly shown interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations. The proposed plan involves spinning off a U.S. entity for TikTok and reducing Chinese ownership in the new business to below the 20% threshold required by U.S. law. However, ByteDance has stated that no agreement has been executed yet and that any deal must comply with Chinese law.
International Trade Considerations
The extension also occurs amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. President Trump recently imposed sweeping tariffs, including a 10% universal tariff on all imports and heightened reciprocal tariffs on nations like China.China retaliated with 34% tariffs on U.S. goods and filed a suit with the World Trade Organization. These developments add complexity to the TikTok negotiations, as trade policies and national security concerns intersect.
Emergence of Alternative Platforms
Amid the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future, alternative social media platforms have gained traction. One notable example is Fanbase, founded by Isaac Hayes III, son of the late music legend Isaac Hayes. Launched in late 2019, Fanbase is a free-to-use social network that allows users to monetize their content through subscriptions and digital currency called “loves.” The platform supports various content forms, including photos, videos, audio chats, livestreaming, and long-form content.
In response to the potential TikTok ban, Fanbase has experienced a surge in popularity, securing over $5.2 million through crowdfunding efforts. Hayes emphasized the platform’s commitment to creator empowerment, stating, “Fanbase is a free-to-download, free-to-use, next-generation social network that allows any user to earn money from day one.”
Looking Ahead
As the new deadline approaches, all parties involved face mounting pressure to reach a resolution that addresses national security concerns while allowing TikTok to continue its operations in the U.S. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for international trade relations, data privacy standards, and the millions of American users and content creators who rely on the platform. How many of you rely on TikTok for financial survival? If TikTok doesn’t come to the table with President Trump, do you have a contingency plan?
This is a developing story.