Young Americans are all the sudden cheering Trump’s name.
In the face of ongoing concerns over national security, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming National Security Adviser, Rep. Mike Waltz, indicated that the new administration would take action to ensure TikTok remains operational in the United States—if a viable deal with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, is reached.
Waltz stated that under existing U.S. law, there is a provision for a 90-day extension, which would give ByteDance more time to divest itself of the app’s U.S. operations. “If there is a feasible plan, we will prevent TikTok from going dark,” Waltz explained. This move would buy President Trump additional time to negotiate a deal and protect the interests of the millions of Americans who use the app.
TikTok, which boasts over 170 million active users in the U.S., has faced mounting scrutiny due to concerns over its Chinese ownership and potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In response, President Trump is reportedly considering an executive order that would allow TikTok to continue operating while ByteDance works to divest its stake in the platform.
However, the situation is complicated by legal constraints. The law passed earlier this year mandates a ban on TikTok if ByteDance does not divest its stake, though there is some room for negotiation. The law allows a 90-day delay if the president certifies progress in the divestiture process.
A group of lawmakers is pushing for a 270-day extension to prevent disruption for American creators and businesses that rely on the app for income. Critics, however, argue that the app poses a national security threat, given its ownership structure and potential links to the Chinese government.
As President Trump prepares for his inauguration, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is expected to be among the guests attending. This has sparked criticism, with some questioning the president’s stance on China, especially given his previous calls for a TikTok ban.
Despite these challenges, the Trump administration seems committed to finding a solution that balances national security concerns with the interests of American users and businesses. The situation is still unfolding, and the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on whether to uphold the law could have significant consequences for TikTok’s future in the U.S.