President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is actively exploring options to prevent TikTok from being banned in the United States. National Security Adviser appointee Mike Waltz stated that the incoming administration is considering measures to keep the app operational if a viable deal for its divestiture by its Chinese owner, ByteDance, is on the table.
The current law mandates ByteDance to divest TikTok by January 19, 2025, or face a federal ban. Waltz mentioned that the administration is contemplating a 60 to 90-day extension to facilitate a deal and prevent the app, which has approximately 170 million American users, from “going dark.”
TikTok CEO Shou Chew plans to attend Trump’s inauguration, a move that has drawn criticism from some quarters. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of the potential ban, while ByteDance, partially owned by investors including BlackRock and General Atlantic, is under pressure to comply with U.S. regulations.
The incoming administration’s approach marks a shift from previous efforts to ban TikTok, acknowledging the platform’s significant role in communication and its popularity among younger voters. Waltz emphasized the importance of protecting user data while exploring solutions to maintain the app’s presence in the U.S.
As the situation develops, the administration’s decisions will significantly impact TikTok’s future operations in the United States.
