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By Jason Lemon
Deputy News Director
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President-elect Donald Trump told NBC News in a Saturday interview that he will "most likely" give TikTok an additional 90-days before the ban goes into effect.
"I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate. You know, it's appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It's a very big situation," Trump said in a phone interview with NBC's Kristen Welker.
Newsweek reached out to the Trump transition team and TikTok on Saturday for comment.
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TikTok became unavailable on major app stores in the United States on Saturday evening as new federal legislation mandating the platform's removal took effect.
Users searching for TikTok on Apple's App Store or Google Play Store after 10:50pm EST could no longer find the application.
The message displayed to users stated: "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now."
The notification continued: "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!"
Why It Matters
TikTok's fate has emerged as a significant geopolitical and cultural issue. Lawmakers supporting the app's sale or ban have cited national security concerns, pointing to ByteDance's, TikTok's parent company, ties to the Chinese government and the app's data collection practices. Critics warn of potential propaganda risks and emphasize the need to safeguard American users' information.
The Biden administration's decision to defer enforcement to Trump has heightened tensions. While President Joe Biden signed the law mandating the sale, his administration's unwillingness to enforce it reflects a broader struggle to balance security concerns with TikTok's immense popularity and economic influence. Defenders of the app have also raised free speech concerns.
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What To Know
Trump indicated he would finalize his decision on Monday, his first day in office, noting that a short-term extension would provide time to navigate the complex legal and financial landscape surrounding TikTok's divestiture.
The announcement follows a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer by January 19. The Biden administration and President-elect Trump's team have expressed a desire to avoid disrupting TikTok's availability to over 170 million American users, though no definitive legal agreements have been made public.
Under the current law, the president can grant a one-time 90-day extension if they certify to Congress that a path to divestiture exists, significant progress has been made, and relevant legal agreements are in place. Trump's administration faces a tight timeline, as TikTok has indicated it may temporarily cease operations in the U.S. on Sunday due to a lack of assurances regarding the ban's enforcement.
In recent months, Trump's stance on TikTok has evolved. During his first term, he signed executive orders to ban the app, which were later blocked by courts. His change in position followed meetings with American investors and public acknowledgment of TikTok's role in his political outreach during the 2024 election.
What People Are Saying
TikTok said in a statement Friday night: "The statements issued today by both the Biden White House and the Department of Justice have failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikTok's availability to over 170 million Americans... Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19."
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre: "We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok. It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, weighed in on the issue during a Senate floor speech: "It's clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and not disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans."
Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, a proponent of the ban, expressed skepticism about further delays in an X, formerly Twitter, post: "Penalties for companies like Apple and Google could run as high as $850 billion. Not sure I'd take a politician's word if I ran those companies."
Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, posted on X: "When tik-tok goes dark, please remember I voted against the so-called tik-tok ban because the legislation was overly broad and sets a dangerous precedent for censorship."
What Happens Next
Trump's administration has indicated that finding a buyer for TikTok's U.S. operations remains a priority. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration, signaling the company's continued interest in negotiating a resolution. Some legal analysts have suggested Trump could also refuse to enforce the law, potentially allowing the app to remain active.
The coming days will be pivotal as Trump's team navigates the legal framework surrounding the ban and explores potential buyers. With millions of users and significant financial stakes, TikTok's future in the U.S. remains uncertain, but Monday's announcement is likely to set the tone for the app's trajectory under the new administration.
Update 01/18/25 11:20 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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