US in talks over TikTok sale, Trump suggest deadline extension

Washington DC: The US government is engaged in discussions with four potential buyers for TikTok, as President Donald Trump signalled a possible extension to the looming deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company, to sell the platform or face a ban.

Speaking on Sunday, Trump acknowledged ongoing concerns about national security risks posed by the Chinese-owned social media platform. “We are talking with four different groups, and all options are on the table,” he said. The administration’s latest stance comes ahead of the April 5 deadline, which had already been extended once by 75 days through an executive order in January.

Trump’s remarks indicate a shift from his earlier approach of pushing for a total ban on TikTok. He recently floated the idea of the US acquiring a 50 percent stake in the platform through a joint venture, potentially involving a sovereign wealth fund.

TikTok’s forced sale stems from bipartisan legislation passed last year, which cited concerns over data security and the app’s links to the Chinese government. ByteDance has so far resisted efforts to sell the platform entirely.

The situation has been further complicated by escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Trump recently imposed an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports, prompting China to retaliate with new export restrictions on 15 US companies.

The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future led to the platform temporarily going offline on January 19, when the initial congressionally mandated deadline was missed. The executive order that followed allowed the app to continue operating while negotiations proceeded.

Vice President JD Vance and National Security Advisor Michael Walz have been tasked with overseeing the sale talks. Despite ongoing discussions, analysts remain sceptical about whether an American buyer will emerge within the required timeframe.

As the April 5 deadline approaches, Trump’s willingness to consider an extension suggests that the fate of TikTok in the US remains uncertain, with potential political and economic ramifications tied to the broader US-China rivalry.