Will TikTok’s US deadline be extended yet again?
As Trump hints at another delay in the TikTok ban, artists and creators should take note of what this could mean for their future on the platform.
Trump may extend TikTok deadline again
During an exclusive NBC interview, US President Donald Trump hinted he may once again extend the deadline for TikTok’s US ban. Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker he has a “warm spot” for TikTok, seemingly owing a key part of his 2024 election success to the platform helping him attract young voters, especially as “no Republican ever won young people” before.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t say this, but I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok.”
US President Donald Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker
The current deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest its US operations is June 19. Now, Trump’s comments suggest he’s open to pushing that can further down the line.
The road so far: A quick recap of the TikTok ban timeline
With there being many developments across TikTok’s legal limbo, here’s a quick timeline of the key events:
- Legislation signed by former President Joe Biden set a January 19 (2025) deadline for TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its US operations or face a nationwide ban.
- A provision in the law allows any deadline to be extended if negotiations are progressing in good faith.
- TikTok briefly vanished from app stores in the US for less than 24 hours when the original deadline passed.
- Trump, now in office, granted a 75-day extension to April 5.
- Rumored buyers include Elon Musk, Meta, and Amazon.
- With no deal secured, Trump pushed the deadline back again to June 19.
Tensions between the US and China halt the deal
Trump’s administration continues to insist that negotiations for a divestiture deal to keep TikTok operational in the US are progressing. A deal was in the works for a new US-based and majority-owned company to house TikTok’s US operations.
However, escalations between the US and China, worsened by Trump’s recent imposition of tariffs on China, have complicated matters. Until those issues are resolved, the future of any divestment deal remains uncertain.
While a prospective deal is allegedly rumbling on behind the scenes, it remains unclear whether any negotiations will be successful given the lack of urgency to finalize a deal by any given deadline.
For creators and musicians
For artists and creators, especially those who rely on TikTok to reach new fans or promote their music, this is a crucial moment. While Trump’s “warm spot” for TikTok might buy the app more time in the US, its ongoing uncertainty should serve as a clear sign: now is the time to diversify your online presence.
Relying solely on one platform puts your reach and income at risk. Whether it’s YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or other platforms, creators should start (or continue) building their audience on alternative platforms. Spreading your presence across multiple platforms ensures that algorithm changes, bans, or outright nationwide bans won’t wipe out your connection with fans.
Final thoughts
Trump’s apparent soft spot for TikTok may buy the platform a bit more time, but no one should take that as a guarantee of safety. The possibility of a US ban still looms large, and creators who act now to protect and grow their digital presence will be better positioned no matter what happens next.