President Donald Trump’s recent decision to extend the deadline for ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to divest its U.S. operations has ignited significant backlash from various conservative figures. The latest executive order, signed on Thursday, allows ByteDance an additional 90 days, pushing the deadline to September 17, 2025. This extension marks the third time Trump has postponed enforcement, having initially issued an executive order on his first day in office after a national ban was briefly implemented and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. A second postponement occurred in April, when discussions for spinning TikTok into a wholly U.S.-owned entity faltered after China withdrew from negotiations in the wake of Trump’s tariff announcements.
Each postponement has seemingly reduced the likelihood of an imminent U.S. ban on TikTok, yet the executive decision to keep the app operational has attracted substantial criticism, even from those within Trump’s circle. Critics argue that such an extension lacks legal backing; Heath Mayo, a founder of a conservative group, characterized the move as “lawless,” asserting that no legal authority enables the President to make such extensions. Prominent voices from conservative media, like National Review’s Charles C. W. Cooke and Guy Benson, have echoed this sentiment, labeling the action as “brazenly illegal” and directly unlawful, respectively. Jonah Goldberg, another conservative commentator, noted a lack of legal justification for the President’s approach.
Beyond ideological criticism, the delays have sparked concerns among lawmakers. Mississippi Republican Senator Roger Wicker expressed his apprehensions about the extended timeline, suggesting it was not a prudent move given ongoing national security concerns surrounding TikTok. Illinois Republican Representative Darin LaHood echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that vulnerabilities regarding user data security remain significant. Lawmakers believe such digital risks have increased, reflecting a growing frustration within Congress regarding the inaction on a matter of national interest.
The Trump administration defends the delay as part of a broader diplomatic strategy concerning U.S.-China relations. Trump mentioned that any future actions would likely require consultation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, indicating a complex interplay of international relations influencing domestic policy. The debate over TikTok has become increasingly polarized among the American public, diverging from the early consensus observed among lawmakers who previously supported a ban with near-unanimous votes. A Pew Research survey indicated a decline in public support for a TikTok ban, with roughly one-third of Americans expressing opposition or uncertainty about such measures.
Despite the evolving public sentiment, concerns about data security remain a primary reason cited by those in favor of banning TikTok. Approximately 80% of supporters of a ban indicated that user data security was a significant factor prompting their stance. This demographic shift in public opinion underscores the complexities inherent in discussions around digital privacy, national security, and technology governance, illustrating a more nuanced societal view compared to earlier consensus strategies.
As developments unfold, TikTok continues to serve its 170 million American users, with major tech players like Apple, Google, and Oracle maintaining support for the app. This arrangement relies on the assurance that the Justice Department will not pursue heavy fines against these companies in connection with TikTok. The evolving landscape signifies an intricate balance between technology’s role in society, governance, and the challenges of national security in an increasingly digital world.
