Sun Jan 19 11:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump Hints at 90-Day Reprieve for TikTok, Deflecting Biden Administration’s Inaction
**Washington, D.C.** – President-elect Donald Trump indicated Saturday that he will likely grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a potential U.S. ban, effectively sidestepping the Biden administration’s refusal to enforce a looming deadline. The current law, passed last year, mandates the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to a non-Chinese entity by Sunday or faces a nationwide ban.
In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump stated he hadn’t finalized a decision but strongly suggested a 90-day extension was “most likely.” This extension, permitted under the existing law, would allow for further review of a potential sale to a non-Chinese buyer. However, even a Monday announcement might not prevent a brief shutdown as the current deadline is Sunday.
The Biden administration, while stating it would not enforce the law, has been criticized for failing to provide sufficient assurances to TikTok and its service providers, leading TikTok to threaten to “go dark” on Sunday unless it receives greater clarity on potential legal ramifications. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed TikTok’s move as a “stunt.”
Trump’s potential action marks a dramatic shift from his previous attempts to ban TikTok during his first term. This reversal follows a meeting with one of TikTok’s American investors last year and likely reflects the app’s immense popularity in the U.S. and his own significant following on the platform.
The Supreme Court upheld the law on Friday, rejecting TikTok’s free speech arguments. Lawmakers supporting the sale or ban cite national security concerns stemming from ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government and data collection practices.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday. The situation remains fluid, with the coming days holding significant implications for the future of the popular video-sharing app in the United States.
First Piper 