Trump Says TikTok Will ‘Most Likely’ Get a 90-Day Extension
President-elect Donald Trump announced he will “most likely” grant TikTok a 90-day extension to comply with U.S. law requiring the social media platform to be sold by its China-based parent company or face a shutdown.
Trump’s Statement
In a phone interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump said, “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it’s appropriate.” He added that if he decides to grant the extension, the announcement would likely be made on Monday, the day of his inauguration.
Deadline Looms
The current deadline set by the law requires TikTok to shut down operations in the U.S. by Sunday unless it complies. A 90-day extension would give TikTok additional time to meet the legal requirements and avoid going offline.
Supreme Court Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law on Friday, solidifying the legal grounds for the shutdown if compliance is not achieved. Despite this, the Biden administration has stated it would not enforce a shutdown in the days leading up to Trump’s inauguration.
TikTok’s Response
TikTok has indicated that without the extension, it would have to “go dark” this weekend. The company has been exploring potential buyers and solutions to address U.S. security concerns related to its Chinese ownership.
What’s Next?
All eyes are on Monday for Trump’s potential announcement. A decision to extend the deadline would provide TikTok with additional time to restructure and ensure continued operation in the U.S. market.
