Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has granted a 90-day extension for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to find an American buyer for the popular social media app. The announcement, made via an executive order signed Thursday, allows the app to continue operating in the United States while negotiations proceed.

“I have just signed an Executive Order extending the deadline for the TikTok sale for 90 days,” Trump shared on a social media platform, thanking those involved for their attention to the matter. This marks the third extension given to ByteDance amid ongoing national security concerns surrounding the app’s connection to China.

A representative for TikTok expressed appreciation for Trump’s decision, emphasizing the importance of the platform for over 170 million U.S. users and millions of businesses that rely on its services. The statement indicated a commitment to working closely with governmental offices to facilitate a favorable outcome.

While traveling on Air Force One, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a resolution, suggesting that Chinese President Xi Jinping would likely approve a deal if a suitable buyer emerges. As negotiations continue, the White House underscored its intent to ensure TikTok remains accessible to American users.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump’s commitment to keeping TikTok operational, reflecting the administration’s goal of safeguarding user data amid ongoing debates surrounding the app’s ownership. “President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark,” she stated, highlighting the administration’s focus on a secure and safe platform for American users.

The app has recently faced declining support for a ban, according to surveys from various research organizations. Concerns about national security led to laws aimed at restricting TikTok, causing the platform to briefly go offline earlier this year. However, Trump’s shift in stance allowed TikTok to resume its services after the initial turmoil.

Despite the challenges posed by the looming sale deadline, ByteDance has maintained that it does not compromise U.S. user security, asserting that American data is not stored in China. This reassurance appears to have drawn users back to TikTok, especially as alternatives like RedNote — another Chinese app — have not gained the same traction.

The clock has been ticking for TikTok since Trump first ordered a sale upon taking office, when he granted a 75-day window for finding a buyer. Although several companies, including Amazon and notable investors, expressed interest, negotiations stalled amid rising tariffs with China and related obstacles.

The recent law mandates that ByteDance must sell TikTok to a U.S.-based entity. Previously, the company had stated its intention not to sell, leaving the door open as it navigates the ongoing discussions regarding the app’s future.

This recent extension marks a notable policy shift for Trump, contrasting sharply with his earlier decisions to prevent TikTok’s operation in the U.S. due to security concerns. The legal challenges that sought to ban the app have since been upheld, reinforcing the Biden administration’s stance on TikTok’s ownership and operations.