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The Trump Administration Moves toward a Deadline for “TikTok”


The new National Security Advisor to President-elect Donald Trump has stated that the new administration will allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States if a sustainable agreement can be reached within a potential deadline for the popular short-video app owned by China.

According to Reuters, TikTok, used by over 170 million Americans, is set to be banned on Sunday, one day before Trump’s inauguration, under a law requiring the app to find a non-Chinese owner due to national security concerns.

U.S. Representative Mike Waltz, selected by Trump as his National Security Advisor, told Fox News: “We will implement measures to prevent TikTok from ceasing operations,” referring to a provision in the law allowing a 90-day extension if there is “significant progress” toward divestiture.

Waltz added: “This gives President Trump time to keep TikTok operational.”

Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, stated during a Thursday session that TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, should be given more time. However, he emphasized that the app “poses numerous security risks that cannot be ignored.”

He continued: “It’s clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer and avoid disrupting the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans.”

Schumer added: “I will work with the Trump administration and both parties to keep TikTok running while protecting our national security.”

Schumer had been a strong supporter of the law passed last April to force the company to sell TikTok. His recent statements indicate growing concern among prominent Democrats about the potential impact and political ramifications of shutting down TikTok.

Trump once supported banning the app but changed his position last year. His shift came amid increasing signs of support for his presidential campaign from technology executives and initiatives from Republican donor Jeff Yass, a major shareholder in ByteDance.

Trump also used TikTok during his election campaign as a means of appealing to younger voters in the November 5 elections.

The New York Times reported Thursday that Trump is considering issuing an executive order allowing TikTok to continue operating despite the pending legal ban until new owners are found. However, it remains unclear whether Trump has the authority to do so, given the legal divestiture requirements imposed by Congress.

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