In a surprising yet politically strategic move, US President Donald Trump is widely expected to extend the deadline for TikTok to find a non-Chinese buyer, thereby delaying a federal ban on the short-video app’s operations in the United States.

The deadline, originally set for Thursday, marks the third time Trump has opted to hold off on enforcing a law that demands either the sale or complete ban of TikTok due to national security concerns over its Chinese ownership by ByteDance.

Speaking to NBC News in early May, Trump remarked:

“I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok. If it needs an extension, I would be willing to give it an extension.”

This unexpected softening of stance from a leader known for his strict policies on Chinese tech firms signals a significant shift — one driven more by political optics and election strategy than national security.

The Law vs the Leader

In 2024, US lawmakers passed a federal law mandating TikTok’s sale or exit from the American market, citing concerns over data privacy, state-sponsored surveillance, and propaganda risks. The law, heavily supported by bipartisan voices, was to take effect a day before Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.

Despite this legislative clarity, Trump has now thrice postponed enforcement, citing personal admiration for the app and belief in finding a suitable buyer.

“There’s a group of people ready to pay ByteDance a lot of money,” Trump said, signalling confidence that a private acquisition deal can resolve the deadlock without a ban.

ByteDance Still in Control — For Now

ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company based in Beijing, continues to hold ownership of TikTok’s US operations, though the app operates under separate legal entities in different markets. The growing scrutiny of TikTok stems from fears that ByteDance could be compelled by Chinese government regulations to share user data or manipulate content.

While TikTok has repeatedly denied these allegations and insisted on its operational independence, the political narrative in the US has remained largely sceptical.

However, with Trump back in the White House and showing unexpected sympathy for the platform, the urgency around the ban has waned.

Why Trump Is Holding Back

Political analysts believe that electoral calculus is a significant reason behind Trump’s U-turn on TikTok. According to independent analyst Rob Enderle, TikTok may have played a quiet but powerful role in Trump’s recent election victory, particularly by helping him gain traction with younger voters.

“Trump is just not motivated to do anything about TikTok,” said Enderle. “Unless they get on his bad side, TikTok is probably going to be in pretty good shape.”

This change of heart is in contrast to Trump’s earlier rhetoric, which positioned him as a strong opponent of Chinese tech influence.

“Trump’s not really doing great on his election promises,” Enderle added. “This could be one that he can actually deliver on.”

This contradiction points to a familiar Trumpian theme — policy flexibility based on loyalty and political benefit.

Waiting Game for Buyers

While no formal buyer has yet acquired TikTok’s US operations, Trump hinted that there is active interest from multiple parties.

In 2020, a similar move was attempted by Microsoft, and later Oracle and Walmart, but regulatory bottlenecks and geopolitical complications led to stalled deals. The current administration appears to be relying on the market to self-correct, allowing time for a mutually beneficial deal to emerge.

Trump’s delay suggests that if the deal does not impact his political standing or support base, he is likely to keep kicking the can down the road.

European Developments — Legal Pressure Mounts

Interestingly, while TikTok navigates political waters in the US, it is also fighting legal battles in Europe. Alongside Meta, TikTok is challenging regulatory tech fees imposed by the European Union, taking the issue to the second-highest EU court.

The lawsuits come amid growing regulatory crackdowns on big tech firms under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targets anti-competitive practices and seeks to ensure greater transparency and user control.

TikTok’s legal teams argue that the fees are disproportionate and unfairly target platforms with high user engagement.

This transatlantic pressure underscores the app’s precarious global positioning, caught between market appeal and geopolitical distrust.

TikTok’s Political Relevance

Beyond its entertainment appeal, TikTok has evolved into a socio-political tool. Influencers, digital activists, and even political campaigns have used the app to mobilise youth, spread awareness, and shape narratives.

For Trump, embracing TikTok — or at least not alienating it — may be a way to stay connected with the digital-first Gen Z electorate, many of whom now see the app as a primary platform for news and expression.

This explains why Trump, despite once pushing for a ban, now calls the app “a winner” and wants to keep it available for American users.

The Road Ahead

Despite the existing law mandating action, the enforcement of the TikTok ban remains elusive. With Trump likely to issue another deadline extension, ByteDance gets yet more time to negotiate or restructure ownership without losing its most lucrative market.

For now, TikTok’s US future remains in limbo, dictated not by policy but by political convenience.

Whether the app is eventually banned, sold, or allowed to continue under new ownership, one thing is certain: TikTok has become far more than just a platform for dance videos and lip-syncs. It is now a geo-economic chess piece — and the game is far from over.

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