President-elect Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he is “most likely” to grant TikTok a 90-day extension to finalize a deal that could prevent the app from being banned in the United States. Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Trump noted that he had not yet made a definitive decision but was leaning towards granting the reprieve after taking office on Monday.
A law set to take effect on Sunday prohibits mobile app stores and internet hosting services from offering TikTok to U.S. users unless its Chinese parent company divests its American operations to an approved buyer. Signed by President Joe Biden last year, the law granted TikTok nine months to secure a buyer, with an option for the sitting president to approve an extension if negotiations are ongoing.
In his interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump remarked, “The 90-day extension is most likely something that will be done because it’s appropriate. We have to assess the situation carefully—it’s significant. If I decide to move forward with this, I’ll announce it on Monday.”
The Biden administration has clarified that the enforcement of the law will fall to the incoming Trump administration. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated on Friday, “We see no need for TikTok or other companies to take premature actions before the new administration assumes office.”
Meanwhile, TikTok has called for clear assurances from the Biden administration to avoid enforcement actions against app store operators and service providers. Without these guarantees, the company indicated it might suspend its U.S. operations but did not specify details.
TikTok’s statement was dismissed by the White House as a “stunt.” Jean-Pierre reiterated that any further concerns should be addressed to the Trump administration.
Major stakeholders, including Apple, Google, and Oracle, have not disclosed their plans regarding the law’s implementation.
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