Delay to TikTok ban gets Trump sign-off

In a significant move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that grants TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law that mandates either the sale or ban of the popular video-sharing platform. This decision means that during this period, the United States will not enforce the law that was passed by Congress last year and signed by former President Joe Biden. Trump made this announcement while addressing reporters in the Oval Office, stating, 'I tell you what. Every rich person has called me about TikTok. ' This indicates that many influential individuals are concerned about the future of the app. The president's change of heart regarding TikTok is noteworthy, especially considering his previous attempts to ban the app in 2020. When questioned about his shift in stance, Trump replied, 'Because I got to use it. ' This suggests that he has developed an appreciation for the platform and wants to keep it operational. Furthermore, Trump hinted at the possibility of a joint venture where the United States would partner with ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, in a 50-50 partnership. However, he did not provide specific details on how such an arrangement would function. Trump also warned that if a deal is not reached, he may impose new trade tariffs on China. He stated that if Beijing rejects a deal, 'it would be somewhat of a hostile act. ' In the past, Chinese officials have dismissed calls for a sale, labeling U. S. arguments as 'sheer robbers' logic. ' However, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry recently appeared to soften this stance, suggesting that decisions regarding business operations and acquisitions should be made independently by companies. This indicates a potential willingness for negotiation regarding TikTok's future. Despite Trump's executive order, TikTok remains unavailable for download from the Apple and Google app stores. The Biden administration had previously expressed concerns that TikTok could be utilized by China for espionage and political manipulation. Opponents of a ban argue that it would infringe upon freedom of speech. TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, had previously ignored a law requiring it to divest its U. S. operations to avoid a ban. The law was set to take effect on Sunday, but the Biden White House decided to leave its implementation to the incoming administration due to timing issues. Trump's new executive order places him at odds with several members of Congress from his own party. For instance, Republican Senator Tom Cotton expressed strong opposition, stating that any company that 'hosts, distributes, services or otherwise facilitates communist-controlled TikTok' could face substantial fines. Cotton warned that liability could arise not only from the Department of Justice but also under securities law, shareholder lawsuits, and state attorneys general. He urged people to consider the implications of this situation. On the day of Trump's inauguration, TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, was present alongside other prominent technology leaders, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. Earlier that day, popular YouTube star MrBeast shared a TikTok video indicating that he was on a private jet en route to make an official offer to purchase the short video platform. He did not provide further details about the offer, only stating that it would be 'crazy. ' Other companies, billionaires, and celebrities have also expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, including former Trump Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and investor Kevin O'Leary from the TV show Shark Tank.