President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order extending the deadline for TikTok to operate in the U.S. for another 90 days, aiming to facilitate a deal for American ownership of the popular social media platform. This marks the third extension, with previous attempts to negotiate ownership falling through. Despite the lack of a clear legal basis for these extensions, there have been no legal challenges to contest them so far. Trump’s engagement with TikTok, where he has gained a substantial following, underscores the platform’s influence, particularly among young voters.

TikTok expressed gratitude for the extension, emphasizing its importance for millions of American users and businesses. The decision to prolong TikTok’s presence in the U.S. through executive orders has faced scrutiny but has not been legally challenged, setting it apart from other executive actions by Trump. Analysts describe the situation as a “deadline purgatory,” with ongoing uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s fate. However, the platform remains confident in its future, evidenced by recent advancements like new AI video tools.

While TikTok continues to serve its large U.S. user base, sentiments among Americans regarding a potential ban have shifted. A Pew Research Center survey revealed declining support for a TikTok ban, with concerns over data security being a primary reason for those in favor of a ban. Democratic Senator Mark Warner criticized the administration for bypassing national security concerns related to TikTok’s Chinese ownership. As the negotiations and debates persist, TikTok’s operation in the U.S. remains a topic of contention and interest among policymakers and the public alike.