President Trump has announced a 90-day extension for the popular short video app TikTok to operate in the U.S., despite previous efforts to ban it under federal law due to concerns over its ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese company. Trump aims to strike a deal that would require China’s approval. This decision follows a recent meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials to revive trade negotiations. This extension marks the third lifeline given to TikTok by Trump, with the app previously facing a ban supported by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court.

Despite legal challenges and concerns over national security, Trump has repeatedly delayed the ban’s enforcement, drawing criticism for potentially overstepping congressional intent. Legal experts question the basis for these extensions and whether they comply with the law. Trump defends his actions, asserting that they are lawful. The continued support of tech giants like Apple and Google, who have been granted immunity for hosting TikTok, has allowed the app to remain accessible to users.

However, uncertainties remain for these companies as they technically violate the law by supporting TikTok. Trump’s assurances that there will be no prosecution under the ban may not provide complete protection. The lack of guarantees raises concerns about the legal risks faced by companies involved in maintaining TikTok’s presence in the U.S. Despite the ongoing legal and regulatory challenges, TikTok remains available on Apple and Google app stores, with the situation highlighting the complex interplay between technology, national security, and legal frameworks.