software Trump gives Tiktok the next extension in the USA
President Donald Trump gives Tiktok another extension in the USA. The short video app is to remain available in the country for a further 90 days despite a law to end it, Trump ordered on Thursday.
19.06.2025, 18:21
SDA
Previously, two grace periods granted by Trump had already passed without the promised solution. According to the law, Tiktok should actually have been sold by the China-based owner Bytedance by January 19 - or taken off the grid in the USA. However, Trump granted an additional 75 days when he took office in January.
Even then, he held out the prospect of a further extension if necessary - although there is no basis for this in the law. Even the first 75 days were not covered by the document: it only provided for a postponement of 90 days in the event of sales negotiations going well. There are still no known promising talks.
Politicians and experts in the USA fear that the Chinese government could use Tiktok to spy on Americans or manipulate public opinion. The companies reject this.
Trade conflict with China
In spring, Trump held out the prospect of lower additional tariffs for China in exchange for the Chinese government's approval of the Tiktok sale. He conceded that Beijing would "possibly" have a say in the deal. "Maybe I'll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something like that to be able to close the deal," Trump said at the time.
A central point of contention is the Tiktok algorithm: software that decides which videos users get to see next. Tiktok critics warn that the Chinese government could use it to influence public opinion in the USA. Tiktok and Bytedance have always rejected this. Meanwhile, the law stipulates that neither the Chinese government nor Bytedance may have control over the algorithm.
China decides on algorithm sale
In his first term in office, Trump wanted to force a sale of Tiktok's US business by threatening to ban it, but was stopped by US courts. The law passed under President Joe Biden provides a solid legal basis for Tiktok to go out of business in the US - but Trump warmed to the app during the election campaign and wants to preserve it.
Meanwhile, China established the rule during Trump's first term that government approval is required for the sale of software algorithms abroad.
