President Donald Trump will sign an executive order this week delaying the enforcement of a law that could ban TikTok in the U.S. for another 90 days. The decision gives more time to reach a deal that would separate TikTok from its China-based parent company, ByteDance.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the extension on Tuesday, saying the president does not want the app to go offline. “This extension will last 90 days, which the Administration will spend working to ensure this deal is closed so that the American people can continue to use TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe and secure,” she said.
The move marks the third delay since Trump took office in January. The law, passed by Congress last year with bipartisan support, requires ByteDance to cut all ties with TikTok or face a U.S. ban. The law was upheld by the Supreme Court just days before taking effect.
Earlier in April, the Trump administration had reached a tentative agreement to spin off TikTok’s U.S. operations into a new company, largely owned by American investors. However, progress stalled after Trump imposed new tariffs, prompting China to block the deal until trade tensions were addressed. ByteDance later stated that no final agreement had been reached, and any deal would still require Chinese government approval.
In May, Trump admitted a deal would likely need Beijing’s approval. “China’s never easy,” he said, adding, “I’d like to save TikTok. I mean, TikTok was very good to me.”
This week, Trump expressed optimism that Chinese President Xi Jinping would eventually agree to a deal, saying, “I think President Xi will ultimately approve it.”
Trump has continued to support TikTok, pointing to his popularity on the platform. “I was No. 1 on TikTok in its history. Can you believe that?” he told supporters on June 12.
Despite multiple delays, Congress has shown little movement to enforce the law, even though lawmakers have long warned about TikTok’s potential to collect data and spread Chinese propaganda.
Senator Josh Hawley said the courts have made it clear the law should be enforced. Senator Chuck Grassley expressed frustration, saying he just wants certainty and action from the White House.
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