Trump May Extend TikTok U.S. Sale Deadline Again

The future of TikTok in the United States is once again facing uncertainty as President Donald Trump’s administration is expected to extend a deadline for its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations or face a complete shutdown. According to a source close to the matter, this deadline was set for September 17, but now an extension seems almost certain. If granted, it will be the fourth time the deadline has been moved forward.

TikTok, the popular short-video app loved by millions of young people in America, has become a political and business tug-of-war between Washington and Beijing. With about 170 million users in the U.S. alone, the app is too big to ignore, yet its future remains uncertain.

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How the Dispute Started

The story goes back to when U.S. lawmakers raised concerns about TikTok being owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company. Many American officials believe that Beijing could force ByteDance to share TikTok user data with the Chinese government. They also worry about possible censorship or even blackmailing of American citizens using the app.

To address these security concerns, a law was passed giving ByteDance time until January 2025 to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to an American buyer or shut it down completely. President Trump, however, has not enforced this law strictly. Instead, he has given multiple extensions, saying he wants to protect the app because it is very popular among children and young people.

Trump’s Position on TikTok

President Trump has been sending mixed signals about TikTok. At one point, he said he had several U.S. buyers lined up to take over the app. Later, he said the future of TikTok depended on negotiations with China. When asked recently, Trump responded:

"I may or may not, we’re negotiating TikTok right now. We may let it die, or we may, I don’t know, it depends, up to China. It doesn’t matter too much. I’d like to do it for the kids."

This statement shows that Trump is balancing between not wanting to shut down an app loved by millions of American children and teenagers, while at the same time trying to put pressure on China.

Why Deadlines Keep Getting Extended

The current law required TikTok to be sold by January 2025. However, Trump’s administration has already extended the deadline three times: first to April, then to June, and later to September. Now, another extension is expected beyond September 17.

The main reason for these delays is that negotiations are extremely complicated. TikTok’s most valuable asset is its algorithm — the technology that decides what videos appear on a user’s feed. This algorithm is considered so important that China has said it cannot be shared or sold without government approval. This condition makes it almost impossible for an American company to buy TikTok outright.

Attempts at a Deal

Earlier this year, there was serious progress toward a deal. Plans were made to spin off TikTok’s U.S. operations into a new company that would be majority-owned by American investors. This arrangement seemed like a good compromise. However, these plans fell apart after China signaled it would not approve the transfer, especially following Trump’s announcement of steep tariffs on Chinese goods.

This mix of business concerns and political tensions has slowed down the process. Both the U.S. and China are using TikTok as a bargaining chip in their larger trade and political disputes.

Role of Trade Talks

At the same time, U.S. officials and Chinese leaders have been holding trade talks in different parts of the world. Until now, TikTok was never part of these discussions. But in the most recent meeting in Spain, TikTok was included as an agenda item for the first time.

On Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and top negotiator Li Chenggang. While a TikTok deal is not expected before September 17, the fact that the issue is being openly discussed in trade talks gives Trump an excuse to delay the deadline again.

This new development provides the administration with political cover. However, many lawmakers in Congress — both Republicans and Democrats — are growing frustrated. They had demanded that TikTok be sold, and more extensions may not sit well with them.

Why Trump Wants to Save TikTok

Despite pressure from national security experts and Congress, Trump has repeatedly said he wants to save TikTok. His reasoning appears to be that the app is extremely popular among young Americans. With 170 million users in the U.S., banning TikTok could cause a backlash among voters, especially teenagers and their parents.

For Trump, who is known for carefully considering public opinion, this is an important factor. While he acknowledges the risks of Chinese ownership, he also seems reluctant to be the president who shuts down an app that so many young people enjoy daily.

ByteDance’s Position

From ByteDance’s side, the situation is equally complicated. The company is valued at over $330 billion and is one of the most successful tech firms in the world. TikTok is its most valuable international product, and losing the U.S. market would be a big blow.

However, ByteDance cannot simply sell TikTok’s algorithm, which is the heart of the platform. Without the algorithm, TikTok U.S. would not be the same app that users love. This has created a deadlock.

What Happens Next?

As the September 17 deadline approaches, it appears more and more likely that the Trump administration will extend it again. If this happens, it will be the fourth extension since the law was first passed.

No one knows how long this can continue. Each time the deadline is extended, the political pressure grows. Lawmakers may demand stronger action, while U.S. companies hoping to buy TikTok are left waiting.

The Bigger Picture

The TikTok dispute is not just about one app. It reflects the larger struggle between the United States and China over technology, trade, and influence. Both countries see control of digital platforms as a sign of power.

For the U.S., the fear is that China could use TikTok to spy or spread propaganda. For China, the fear is that America is trying to weaken its most successful tech company.

This back-and-forth has created uncertainty not only for TikTok but also for millions of its American users who simply want to keep making and watching videos.

The drama around TikTok in the United States is far from over. President Trump’s administration is almost certain to grant another extension, allowing ByteDance more time to negotiate a possible deal. Yet, the main issues remain unsolved: China’s refusal to share TikTok’s algorithm, U.S. concerns about data security, and the political games between Washington and Beijing.

For now, TikTok remains in limbo. The app continues to run, young people keep using it, and businesses keep advertising on it. But its long-term future in America remains uncertain, hanging between politics, business interests, and international rivalry.