TikTok ban enforcement delayed another 90 days to September 17
President Trump has signed yet another executive order delaying enforcement of the TikTok ban by 90 days, so companies like Apple, Google, and ByteDance don't have to worry about fines.
TikTok will continue to operate in the US at least until September 17
TikTok was targeted as a potential security threat during the first Trump administration, where a ban was threatened but never carried out. A law was passed by the Biden administration in 2024 that would result in a TikTok ban, and in spite of it going into effect on January 19, 2025, Trump immediately delayed enforcement of the ban after taking office on January 20.
Another delay was provided on April 4, which would mean enforcement of the law would begin on June 18, but yet another executive order was signed on Thursday. It seems President Trump is willing to delay enforcement of the law until "TikTok America" or some other solution is arrived at.
Global relations between China and the United States have shifted dramatically in the months since Trump took office. The leaders of the two countries speak rarely, and there's a significant tension over tariffs and repeated insults from the Vice President.
Due to the ongoing issues and more important matters, there doesn't seem to be any real progress in making any kind of deal. In order for TikTok to operate legally in the United States, Congress would have to overturn the law or ByteDance would have to sell off the United States portion of the company.
Delay as a policy
The executive orders levied so far are technically not legal, as the President doesn't have the authority to tell the Attorney General not to enforce laws. However, due to the Attorney General's allegiance to the President, they are following the order without question.
President Trump wants to "save" TikTok because of his perceived affiliation with the social media network. He's stated that it was "very good to me" for the 2024 election.
However, it isn't clear why the normally fickle President is still seeking to save TikTok when it can no longer help his presidency. He can't run for a third term, so unless he's looking for goodwill for his party, the shift away from the anti-Chinese sentiment shown during his first term is surprising.
Apple and Google face significant fines, about $850 billion, for allowing TikTok to be distributed illegally. The only thing that's protecting them now is a written statement from the Attorney General.
TikTok users and creators can breathe a sigh of relief, at least until September 19. President Trump will likely delay the ban again, as no deal is in sight, but those relying on income from the service won't know if they're out of business until the last possible moment.
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Comments
What a farce. He doesn't want to upset his loyal followers by banning TikTok. It has nothing to do with anything else but that.... how well he's "liked".