Kristina Roberts
US President Donald Trump spoke with reporters on June 17, 2025, while on Air Force One. He said he would probably extend the deadline that asks TikTok’s owner to sell its US part. This deadline is due to expire on June 19. He explained that China’s approval would be needed and thinks it will happen.
In May, he had already said he might push back the June 19 deadline. He noted that TikTok helped him win votes from younger people in the 2024 campaign. He said the same thing again on Tuesday.
A reporter asked him, “will you extend it?” He replied simply, “Probably, yeah.” He added, “Probably have to get China approval but I think we’ll get it. I think President Xi will ultimately approve it.” He sounded confident about getting the go‑ahead from China’s leaders.
This isn’t the first time the deadline has been moved. Earlier, the deadline was set for January but was delayed when the previous president paused enforcement. Then, after Trump took office again, he gave another 75‑day extension. In April, he added yet another 75‑day delay. Now, with the June deadline nearing, it seems a third extension is likely.
The background is that under a law passed in April 2024, the US must force the sale or ban apps owned by foreign countries seen as security risks. The law called for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations by January 19, 2025. But right before that, TikTok briefly shut down in the US. It later came back when Trump promised more time.
Since then, TikTok has stayed online as the US and China talk about the future of the app. TikTok has also said it is in discussions with the US government. However, it made clear any deal would need China’s permission, too.
Trump made a change from his earlier stance. In his first term, he wanted TikTok banned over security fears. However, in the 2024 campaign, he praised TikTok for helping reach young voters. He even said on one broadcast that “we have to save it.” That shift showed TikTok could help his political goals.
Critics say TikTok could share data with China or affect US users. Those worries sparked the law and deadlines. But TikTok has never confirmed that it gave data to China. Still, some people remain worried about how the app works and who controls it.
Supporters of TikTok point to its popularity. It has more than 170 million US users and is key for many young people and creators. Its algorithm — the part that decides what videos to show — is seen as its special strength.
Any sale by TikTok’s owner would likely involve a US buyer. Under the current plan, that buyer could be a big American company or an investment group. But no deal is done yet, and it could take months.
China’s approval is also needed. According to President Trump, if US and Chinese leaders agree, “President Xi will ultimately approve it.” That step is essential because ByteDance is based in China.
While deadlines shift, the app stays live in the US. But if no deal happens and the deadline passes, TikTok could be banned or shut down.
In the meantime, the US and China continue to negotiate. These talks cover trade, technology, and national security. Trump has also placed tariffs on Chinese goods, keeping tensions high.
So right now, TikTok’s future in America depends on political decisions, diplomatic deals, and business choices. President Trump’s decision to push back the deadline again shows he believes there is still time to reach a deal.
Whether China will agree, whether a sale can be finalized, and whether national security worries can be eased — all of this will determine if TikTok stays live in the US.
For now, Americans can still use TikTok. But all eyes are on the next deadline. A lot still has to happen before TikTok’s future in the US becomes clear.
