What’s Next for TikTok After Trump’s 90-Day Extension?

The Future of TikTok in the U.S. After April 5 Extension

On April 5, 2025, the fate of TikTok in the United States entered another phase of uncertainty and hope. After months of pressure to divest or face a ban, President Donald Trump intervened with a 90-day extension, giving TikTok—and its parent company ByteDance—an opportunity to find a workable deal. But what happens next? Can TikTok survive in the U.S.? Let’s break it down based on the latest developments, political climate, legal actions, and TikTok’s global influence.

Background – Why TikTok Is Under Pressure

TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has long been in the crosshairs of U.S. lawmakers over concerns about user data privacy and national security. The U.S. government believes that ByteDance could be compelled to share American user data with the Chinese government, putting sensitive information at risk.

This concern led to legislation demanding ByteDance divest its ownership or face a total ban in the U.S. market. The original deadline was January 19, 2025, but ByteDance missed it. Now, with Trump’s executive order granting a 90-day delay, the new deadline gives TikTok a potential second chance—if it plays its cards right.

Trump’s Strategic 90-Day Extension – What It Means

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump issued a new executive order delaying enforcement of the ban for 90 days. This move has been seen as both a lifeline and a strategic gesture toward TikTok’s massive user base, which consists of over 150 million users in the U.S. alone.

The extension gives TikTok and U.S. tech stakeholders time to explore a joint venture or partial divestment structure. Rumors suggest a potential deal that would allow a U.S.-based company or group to take 50% ownership of TikTok’s U.S. operations.

This plan would need the approval of both U.S. and Chinese authorities, adding complexity to the negotiation process. China has hinted at allowing ByteDance to decide independently, but also stressed that its own regulations must be respected.

Legal Challenges – TikTok’s Road Through the Courts

TikTok has not been idle in the face of regulatory challenges. It pursued several legal actions challenging the ban, arguing that it violates the First Amendment and unfairly targets one company. However, in January 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law, stating that divestiture is a necessary action for national security.

Although TikTok has exhausted legal remedies domestically, it now hinges its future on either political support or a business resolution. With courts out of the picture, the only real options left are either finding a buyer or shutting down in the U.S. market.

SERP Trends and Public Sentiment

Analyzing current search trends and public sentiment reveals that American users are not entirely on board with the ban:

• According to a Pew Research Center poll, support for banning TikTok dropped from 50% in March 2023 to 32% in mid-2024.
• Search queries like “TikTok ban update,” “Is TikTok getting banned in April?” and “Trump TikTok extension news” have seen a 500% spike in March and April 2025.

This demonstrates a high public interest in keeping TikTok accessible, especially among young creators, influencers, and small business owners who use the platform as their primary marketing tool.

TikTok’s Global and U.S. Impact

TikTok isn’t just an entertainment app—it has reshaped the digital landscape:

• Influencer Marketing: Over 55% of U.S. Gen Z consumers say TikTok influences their purchase decisions.
• Business Adoption: Small businesses have reported a 30–70% increase in sales after launching TikTok campaigns.
• Cultural Impact: From viral trends to political activism, TikTok plays a unique role in shaping modern discourse.

Its algorithm is unmatched, making it a critical player in creator economy and short-form video innovation.

Possible Outcomes After the 90-Day Period

1. A Successful Deal

If a deal is struck with a U.S. company—such as Oracle or another tech player—TikTok could continue operating under a new ownership model. This would likely satisfy lawmakers and allow the app to keep evolving in the U.S. market.

2. Inaction and Ban

If negotiations fail and ByteDance refuses to divest, U.S. service providers (like app stores and cloud hosts) could be legally required to remove TikTok, effectively banning it in the country.

3. Continued Extensions

Given the political and public pressure, it’s also possible that another extension may be granted, keeping TikTok in a gray area—neither fully banned nor safe.

What TikTok Is Doing to Stay in the Game

TikTok is actively working to maintain its presence by:

• Launching transparency centers in the U.S.
• Storing American user data in Texas (known as Project Texas).
• Increasing lobbying efforts and engaging with lawmakers to advocate for a peaceful solution.

Why TikTok’s Future Matters

TikTok is more than just a social platform. For millions, it’s a source of income, a creative outlet, and a community hub. Its removal would impact:

• Creators’ livelihoods
• Small businesses
• Digital marketing ecosystems
• Free speech on the internet

Given these stakes, the outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how the U.S. treats other foreign-owned apps and platforms in the future.

Conclusion – What Lies Ahead

As we approach the April 2025 deadline, TikTok’s future remains uncertain but hopeful. With a strong user base, cultural relevance, and active political engagement, the platform is far from giving up. The next few weeks are critical. If a deal is struck, it could not only save TikTok but also reshape how digital sovereignty and data privacy are handled globally.

One thing is clear: TikTok isn’t just an app—it’s a movement. And for now, that movement continues.