Trump Set to Extend TikTok Sale Deadline Amid Ongoing China Negotiations

Trump administration pushes TikTok divestment timeline as US-China trade talks intensify.

Geopolitical Chess Match

Washington delays forced sale decision—again—as bilateral negotiations enter critical phase. The White House weighs national security concerns against broader trade agreement prospects.

Tech Sovereignty Standoff

Beijing maintains firm opposition to technology transfer demands. Chinese officials signal readiness to retaliate against US tech firms if deal proceeds.

Market Uncertainty

Investment banks circle the potential deal while analysts question valuation metrics—because nothing says 'stable investment' like a geopolitical football with revenue projections built on dance trends.

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Trump Sends Mixed Signals

Trump has spoken with uncertainty about TikTok’s future. Last month, he said U.S. buyers were ready to take over the app. But speaking to reporters on September 14, he remarked, “We may let it die, or we may, I don’t know, it depends, up to China.” A plan earlier this year WOULD have created a U.S.-controlled TikTok entity, but it collapsed after China refused to approve the deal following Trump’s move to raise tariffs on Chinese goods.

Trade Talks Tie Into TikTok

The deadline is now linked to wider U.S.–China trade talks. Over the weekend, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met Chinese officials in Madrid, with TikTok formally added to the agenda for the first time. A deal is not expected before September 17, adding to the uncertainty. Any resolution will depend on talks between U.S. buyers, ByteDance, and Chinese regulators.

Impact on U.S. Tech Stocks

The delay adds uncertainty for TikTok’s U.S. rivals, Meta Platforms (META) and Snap (SNAP). If ByteDance holds on to TikTok, these companies will continue to face strong competition in short-form video. However, if TikTok is eventually sold or restricted, U.S. firms could benefit from less competition.

What Is the Best Social Media Stock to Buy? 

For investors interested in investing in the Social Media sector, we have rounded up the best stocks to buy in this sector, using the TipRanks Stocks Comparison tool. Analysts are most bullish on Meta (META) and Pinterest (PINS), both of which carry a Strong Buy rating. Among the two, Pinterest offers the highest upside potential from its current price.