Trump hints at TikTok deadline extension but remains confident in deal

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said he may extend the 75-day deadline for banning TikTok but believes a deal to keep the app running in the country will be reached without the need for an extension.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he still hopes to secure a deal to keep TikTok operating in the US, crediting the app with helping him win the 2024 presidential election.

The app's future has been uncertain since a law requiring its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to either sell it on national security grounds or face a ban came into effect on 19 January.

After assuming office on 20 January, Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the law by 75 days.

Asked whether the deadline was running out, Trump said: "Well, I have 90 days from about two weeks ago, and I'm sure it can be extended. But let's see. I don't think you'll need to."

It was not immediately clear what he meant by the "90-day" reference.

Trump said there was strong interest in acquiring the social media platform and claimed its image had shifted since the 2024 election. He noted that he found the app to be fair and useful in engaging with young voters.

Trump also said he believed Chinese President Xi Jinping would approve the sale of TikTok to a US buyer, as it would also be in China's interest.

"I'm going to make it worthwhile for China to do," he said, without elaborating. "I think it would be to China's advantage to have the deal be made."