Trump hints at possibly extending TikTok ban deadline

On Thursday, Trump suggested that he may extend TikTok’s sale or ban deadline if a deal for the China-owned app isn’t reached within the 75-day negotiation period ending on 5th April. 

Speaking with reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said, “We have a lot of interest in TikTok. China is going to play a role, so hopefully, China will approve of the deal.”

A reporter asked Trump if he would consider extending the deadline for the app’s ban in case a deal isn’t made in time. Trump replied, “Probably, yeah.” 

Trump said that there’s still a month left before the 75-day negotiation period ends. Hence, an extension isn’t necessary immediately. He further added, “If I needed an extension, I’d probably get it extended.” 

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Trump promised that he would save the app. The President heavily credits TikTok for his political success. He has also previously mentioned that he believes China’s Xi would approve TikTok’s sale. Reports say Vice President JD Vance is leading the efforts to bring a deal to the table.

Last month, Trump signed an executive order establishing a US sovereign wealth fund. He even hinted that this sovereign wealth fund could purchase the app. 

Earlier, TikTok was removed from the US Google Play Store and App Store right before the deadline set by Congress. However, the app was not immediately restored even after the president delayed its ban for 75 days. According to a Bloomberg report, Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store restored the app on their respective stores after receiving assurances from US Attorney General Pam Bondi that the companies would not get fined. 

Reddit co-founder Ohanian is bidding for TikTok alongside Kevin O’Leary and Frank McCourt

Recently, Reddit co-founder Ohanian joined Kevin O’Leary and Frank McCourt in their bid to purchase TikTok from ByteDance.

McCourt refers to his potential acquisition of the app as “The People’s Bid.” According to McCourt, the bid would remove the US national security concerns that TikTok currently poses. The app’s algorithm would be rebuilt on a decentralized platform dubbed ‘Frequency.’

Ohanian would be a strategic adviser to the group. He said, “I’ve spent my entire career building tech that puts power back in people’s hands — that’s what got me excited about The People’s Bid.” Ohanian further added, “This isn’t just about TikTok, it’s about fundamentally rewiring how the internet works.”

Earlier, Trump also mentioned that he would like Oracle and Microsoft billionaire Larry Ellison or Elon Musk to buy the app. Regarding Elon possibly buying the ByteDance-owned app, Trump said, “I would be if he wanted to buy it, yes,” Trump said in response. “I’d like Larry to buy it, too.”

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