President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday told NBC News he would “most likely” suspend a ban on TikTok for 90 days, pushing back a deadline for a U.S.-based entity to purchase the social media app as Trump returns to the White House.
The social media app faces a nationwide ban unless it’s sold to a U.S.-based entity.
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Key Takeaways
- Trump, in an interview with NBC News, said a 90-day extension is “something that will be most likely done,” suggesting he would likely announce the reprieve on Monday.
- TikTok said it will “go dark” on Sunday, though the law banning the app nationwide allows the president to issue a one-time extension of 90 days if they determine there is “significant progress” toward a sale.
- The Biden administration said in a statement Friday any actions implementing a ban on TikTok would “fall to the next administration,” adding TikTok “should remain available to Americans” if under “American ownership” or other ownership that addresses national security concerns tied to the app.
What To Watch For
If Trump issues a 90-day reprieve on the TikTok ban on Monday, a deadline requiring the app to be sold to a U.S. entity or face a nationwide ban would be extended to April 19.
Who Could Buy Tiktok?
Several companies and investors have signaled interest in buying TikTok, including “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary, who said he’s offered $20 billion to buy the app. A former TikTok employee suggested to Forbes that Amazon could buy the app, while video-sharing platform Rumble offered to buy TikTok for an undisclosed amount in March 2024. Chinese government officials have also reportedly considered selling TikTok to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whose relationship with Trump has grown in recent months.
Key Background
A ban on TikTok in the U.S. is scheduled to take effect Sunday, after the Supreme Court upheld a law banning the app on national security grounds. Trump previously said he would decide on the ban “in the not-too-distant future,” saying he required time to “review the situation.” He opposed the ban in an earlier court filing, arguing if the Supreme Court blocked the ban, he would be able to secure a “political resolution” to keep the app in the U.S. after his inauguration on Jan. 20. Forbes has reported on TikTok spying on journalists, promoting Chinese propaganda criticizing U.S. politicians, mishandling user data like Social Security numbers and tracking “sensitive words.” TikTok, which has denied any wrongdoing or links to the Chinese government, sued to block the ban in May while claiming the ban was “simply not possible.”
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