Trump will keep TikTok from 'going dark', incoming national security adviser says

NEWS WIRES

16 January 2025 at 6:04 pm·1-min read

File photo: A man carries a Free TikTok sign in front of the courthouse where the hush-money trial of Donald Trump was underway on April 15, 2024, in New York.

US President-elect Donald Trump's incoming national security adviser said on Thursday the new administration will not ban TikTok in the United States if there is a workable deal. Trump has vowed to “save” TikTok after Congress voted in favour of a law to force its sale back in April. The app is due to be banned a day before Trump's inauguration.

US President-elect Donald Trump's incoming national security adviser said on Thursday the new administration will keep TikTok alive in the United States if there is a viable deal, in a potential reprieve for the popular Chinese-owned video app.

TikTok, which is used by more than 170 million Americans, is set to be banned on Sunday - one day before Trump's inauguration - under a law mandating that it find a non-Chinese owner due to national security concerns.

"We will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark," US Representative Mike Waltz told Fox News, pointing to a provision in the law allowing for a 90-day extension if there is "significant progress" toward a divestiture.

"Essentially that buys President Trump time to keep TikTok going," said Waltz, who was picked by Trump to be his national security adviser.

The court said it may issue rulings on Friday, but as is customary, did not state which case or cases would be decided.

Trump also embraced TikTok during the campaign as a way to make gains with younger voters in the Nov. 5 election.

(Reuters)

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