Trump Extends TikTok Divestiture Deadline to December 16

President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending the enforcement delay of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act until December 16, 2025. This action marks the fourth time the president has bypassed federal law to prolong the deadline for TikTok to sell its assets to an American company or face a national security ban.

The order directs the United States Department of Justice to refrain from enforcing the Act or imposing penalties for noncompliance during this period. It specifically mandates that the Attorney General provide written guidance to providers and defend the executive branch's exclusive authority to enforce the Act, asserting that any enforcement attempts by private parties or states would encroach on executive power.

The extension follows talks between officials from the federal government of the United States and the Government of China to establish a deal framework. While Trump suggested in June that a buyer for the application had been identified, the identity of the ownership consortium remains unconfirmed. The original measure requiring the divestiture was approved by Congress and signed by Joe Biden.