President Trump is expected to extend the deadline for TikTok’s forced U.S. divestiture for a third time, according to reports. This news comes during high-stakes trade talks between the U.S. and China.
Catch up quick:
- A U.S. law requires TikTok’s Chinese parent, ByteDance, to sell the app to American owners or face a ban.
- The current deadline expires June 19, but Trump has twice pushed it back via executive order.
- A third delay is likely as talks resume over tariffs and trade terms.
Why we care. TikTok’s uncertain future in the U.S. directly impacts media planning, audience reach, and campaign continuity. A potential ban or forced ownership change could disrupt visibility and hurt your bottom line.
Behind the scenes. One official told On The Money that “the president is willing to extend again if needed,” while noting China is using TikTok as leverage in the talks. A Wall Street banker involved in the divestment deal said Trump could still let TikTok go dark if he thinks it gives him a stronger position in negotiations.
What they’re saying. Trump, once a fierce TikTok critic, now views the app as politically valuable, especially after its young user base helped fuel his 2024 re-election campaign.
Driving the news. A deal to sell TikTok to a U.S.-led group – fronted by Oracle, whose founder is a Trump ally – has stalled. That coincided with Trump’s latest “Liberation Day” trade war push, which began with 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, later scaled back to 30% as talks progressed.
What’s next. A formal extension could be announced in the coming days, but with conditions. Trump is likely to keep TikTok on the table as part of the evolving U.S.-China standoff.