U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the grace period for banning the short-form video platform TikTok's service in the United States could be extended further. He expressed hope that the Chinese government would approve the sale of TikTok if a U.S. buyer steps forward, thereby increasing pressure on China to sell TikTok.
According to U.S. CNN and other media on the 13th (local time), President Trump responded this way when asked about the TikTok sale in the White House Oval Office.
He said, "We might extend [the grace period], but let's see," adding, "Probably, an extension won't be necessary."
President Trump announced an executive order delaying the implementation of the so-called 'TikTok Ban Act' (which forces the sale of TikTok's U.S. business rights) on the 20th of last month, right after taking office, stating, "The United States deserves to take half of TikTok."
Earlier, in April last year, the U.S. Congress passed a bill banning new downloads of TikTok if its Chinese parent company ByteDance did not sell its U.S. business rights to an American company, citing national security concerns, and former President Joe Biden signed it. Since TikTok did not sell its business rights, new downloads have been banned since the 19th of last month. TikTok completely suspended its service on the night of the 18th last month but resumed service after President Trump stepped in as a savior.
President Trump did not comment on whether the sale negotiations have become concrete after extending the grace period. However, he said, "Many people are interested in TikTok. I hope the deal can be made." Earlier, on the 26th of last month, he said about the TikTok sale, "I am discussing with several people," and "I will decide within 30 days."
President Trump also said, "If China allows [the TikTok sale], it will make it worthwhile," and "I think this deal would be beneficial to China." This is interpreted as an indirect pressure on the Chinese government to approve the sale of TikTok.
On the 26th of last month, U.S. economic media CNBC reported that AI startup PerplexityAI proposed merging with TikTok and transferring half of the shares to the U.S. government.
President Trump announced on the 27th of last month that Microsoft (MS) is in acquisition talks. He also mentioned Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison's name.
There was speculation that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a close associate of President Trump who previously acquired the social networking service Twitter, might acquire TikTok, but Musk stated, "I have no intention of acquiring TikTok."
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