Trump pushes back TikTok deadline, 3rd delay this year

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order granting TikTok another three months to continue operating in the US, pushing the deadline for a potential ban to Dec. 16, The Tech Portal reported.

The extension, announced after the previous deadline was set to expire on Sept. 17, marks the third delay in enforcement of restrictions that were initially scheduled to take effect on Jan. 19, one day before he returned to office.

The move comes alongside news that Washington and Beijing have reached a tentative deal on the future of TikTok’s US operations.

While full details have not yet been disclosed, US officials said the agreement would transfer control of TikTok’s American business to an investment group led by US firms. The arrangement is expected to be finalized after Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping speak by phone on Sept. 19.

Trump said Tuesday that a "group" of American companies will purchase social media platform TikTok after he reached a deal with China that will prevent its closure in the US.

On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that negotiators reached a framework deal for the ownership of TikTok, with Trump and Xi scheduled to speak Friday to approve the agreement.