Trump Delays TikTok Ban for Fourth Time as U.S.-China Deal Talks Progress
Washington, D.C. — September 16, 2025
President Donald Trump has once again postponed a nationwide ban on TikTok, extending the deadline until December 16, 2025. The move comes as negotiations continue between U.S. and Chinese officials over the future of the social media giant, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance.
The Decision
According to the New York Post, the president signed an executive order earlier today that formally delays enforcement of the ban, marking the fourth time the administration has done so. The extension is intended to give both governments more time to finalize a framework deal announced on Monday, following high-level talks.
The president told reporters before departing for the United Kingdom:
“I hate to see value like that thrown out of the window.”
He confirmed that the framework of the deal would be discussed directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.
The Framework Deal
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the negotiations as “respectful and results-driven”, crediting Trump’s approach for bringing Beijing back to the table.
“Thanks to his tough negotiating, a framework for a deal is in place and China is coming to the table,” Bessent said.
Chinese trade officials also confirmed that both sides had reached a basic consensus to cooperatively resolve the dispute, reduce barriers, and promote economic cooperation.
A Popular but Controversial App
TikTok, one of the most widely used social media platforms among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, has faced repeated threats of a U.S. ban due to national security concerns. Washington has long argued that ByteDance could be compelled to share American user data with the Chinese government, a claim TikTok has denied.
The original deadline for TikTok to sell its U.S. operations was set for January 19, 2025 — one day before Trump began his second term. Since then, the administration has repeatedly extended the timeline to allow for negotiations and potential U.S.-based buyers to emerge.
President Trump has also acknowledged the app’s political impact, hinting that TikTok played a role in boosting his popularity among younger voters during the 2024 election.
Potential Buyers and Next Steps
The administration has not disclosed which American companies may be involved in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations. Trump suggested that multiple suitors remain interested and that details would be revealed “soon.”
The president emphasized that while he is open to keeping TikTok alive in the United States, national security remains the top priority.
“The president was ready to let TikTok go dark and made it clear that we will never trade away national security,” Bessent added.
Broader U.S.-China Relations
This latest development comes amid broader U.S.-China talks focused on trade, technology, and security. The TikTok issue has become a symbol of Washington’s concerns over Chinese tech influence and data collection practices.
For now, TikTok remains online for millions of American users — but its long-term future in the U.S. depends on the outcome of negotiations in the coming months.