President Trump reveals his “warm spot” for TikTok as he stands ready to extend the ByteDance divestment deadline for the third time this year, balancing national security concerns with his own successful use of the platform that now reaches 170 million Americans.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump has expressed willingness to extend the June 19 deadline for TikTok’s ByteDance divestment, citing personal fondness for the platform
- Trump is using TikTok’s fate as leverage in broader U.S.-China trade negotiations, pointing to his 145% tariffs on Chinese goods as economic pressure
- Despite being signed into law under Biden, Trump has twice delayed enforcement of the TikTok ban, instructing officials not to penalize app stores
- TikTok’s U.S. audience has grown from 150 million to 170 million users between February 2023 and January 2024
- TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew publicly thanked Trump for working toward a solution that keeps the app available to American users
Trump’s Surprising TikTok Stance
President Donald Trump has signaled that he’s open to extending the June 19 deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations, marking what would be the third extension this year. The president’s position reflects a notable shift in his approach to the Chinese-owned social media platform, which had faced bipartisan scrutiny over national security concerns. Trump’s personal success on the platform, where his account has garnered 1.4 billion total views with an average of 24 million views per post, appears to have influenced his perspective on the app’s future in America.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t say this, but I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” said President Donald Trump.
The position contrasts with legislation signed into law by Biden earlier this year that required ByteDance to sell TikTok to American owners or face a ban in the United States. Trump has already delayed enforcement twice in 2025, first providing a 90-day reprieve and then extending it by another 75 days in April. When NBC’s Kristen Welker directly asked if he would extend the deadline if no deal is reached, Trump’s response was unequivocal: “I would.”
U.S.-China Trade Negotiations Complicate TikTok’s Future
Beyond his personal affinity for the platform, Trump’s handling of the TikTok situation appears strategically linked to broader U.S.-China trade relations. The President has cited the economic pressure from his administration’s 145% tariffs on Chinese goods as a key factor in Beijing’s approach to negotiations. While discussions about TikTok’s fate continue, the President has made it clear that he won’t lift tariffs simply to facilitate a deal, though he acknowledged future reductions may be necessary for continued business relations.
“At some point, I’m going to lower them because otherwise, you could never do business with them,” said President Donald Trump.
The Chinese government has officially denied engaging in direct conversations with the White House regarding TikTok but is reportedly considering broader trade discussions. Trump’s April extension referenced Chinese displeasure with his “Reciprocal Tariffs,” suggesting that the app’s fate has become intertwined with complex geopolitical negotiations. This balancing act demonstrates Trump’s commitment to protecting American interests while maintaining economic leverage against China.
SCOOP: People involved in the @WhiteHouse @tiktok_us deliberations say the deadline extension announced by Trump to prevent the ban is in part a byproduct of the trade war with China. It takes off the table a deal with Xi to put TikTok in US hands until Trump can negotiate a…
— Charles Gasparino (@CGasparino) April 4, 2025
ByteDance Divestment Challenges and TikTok’s Future
The law requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations remains in effect, though Trump’s executive actions have temporarily suspended enforcement. TikTok was briefly banned in January when the law initially took effect, but Trump’s interventions have kept the app accessible to its growing American audience. The President has indicated his preference for a solution that would maintain TikTok’s availability while addressing security concerns, possibly through a joint venture with significant U.S. ownership.
“On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States,” said Shou Zi Chew, TikTok CEO.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has publicly expressed gratitude for the President’s approach, highlighting Trump’s willingness to find solutions rather than enforce an outright ban. With the app’s U.S. user base growing from 150 million to 170 million in just one year, the stakes for American content creators and businesses that rely on the platform continue to rise. Trump’s balanced approach demonstrates his commitment to both national security and the economic interests of millions of Americans who use the platform for entertainment, information, and commerce.
