Lawmakers are asking Trump to extend TikTok sale deadline

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The ongoing debate about TikTok’s future in the US has taken another turn. 

Three Democratic senators: Ed Markey, Chris Van Hollen, and Cory Booker, are urging the White House to get Congress involved in extending a critical deadline for the app to sell its US operations. 

Their goal is to ensure the popular social media platform, used by 170 million Americans, remains available while addressing national security concerns.

TikTok’s troubles began when a law was passed last year requiring ByteDance, a Chinese company, to sell its majority stake to US owners or face a ban. 

The worry among lawmakers is that the Chinese government could use TikTok to spread misinformation or access American user data. 

Initially, the deadline for ByteDance to sell was set for January 19, but Trump extended it to April 5, arguing that more time was needed to negotiate a deal. 

He also indicated he might extend it further. However, the Democratic senators argue that this unilateral extension was illegal and that any further extensions should go through Congress. (via: Reuters)

They are pushing for an official deadline extension until October, ensuring there is enough time for a fair deal.

A possible solution being discussed involves allowing major US-based investors who already own stakes in ByteDance to buy out its US operations, creating a separate, American-owned entity for TikTok. 

This would reduce China’s influence over the app and, in theory, resolve security concerns. 

Some reports suggest that Oracle might play a role in the deal, potentially by taking a stake in TikTok and overseeing data security.

With no official response from the White House or TikTok, the fate of the app remains uncertain. 

Lawmakers want the administration to clarify whether it plans to extend the deadline again and to confirm whether the reported Oracle deal is under serious consideration.

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