Trump Extends TikTok Ban Deadline Again. Is It Even Legal?

The TikTok saga in the U.S. has taken yet another twist.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order giving TikTok another 90 days to continue operating stateside, as his administration scrambles to secure a deal that would bring the viral platform under American ownership.

This marks the 3rd extension since Trump took office, and legal experts are raising eyebrows.

The president announced the move on Truth Social, with the White House framing it as a necessary delay to balance TikTok’s popularity with national security concerns.

“It’s wildly popular. He also wants to protect Americans’ data and privacy concerns on this app. And he believes we can do both at the same time,”
said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The extension comes after two previous deadlines passed — the first on Trump’s inauguration day, when a Congress-approved national ban, upheld by the Supreme Court, briefly took effect. The second came in April, when hopes for a deal collapsed after China pulled out, following Trump’s new tariff threats.

Is This Even Legal?

While the extensions have avoided immediate legal challenges, critics argue there’s no clear legal basis for Trump’s repeated executive orders. Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, didn’t mince words:

“An executive order can’t sidestep the law, but that’s exactly what the president is trying to do,” Warner said, accusing the administration of ignoring national security warnings about China-controlled TikTok.

A Political Tug-of-War Meets Viral Popularity

Despite the legal uncertainty, TikTok praised the extension, thanking Trump for his “leadership” and promising to continue supporting its 170 million U.S. users and 7.5 million businesses relying on the app.

Analysts say the repeated delays are creating “deadline purgatory”, as Emarketer’s Jeremy Goldman put it:

“It’s starting to feel less like a ticking clock and more like a looped ringtone… This political Groundhog Day is starting to resemble the debt ceiling drama: a recurring threat with no real resolution.”

Meanwhile, TikTok isn’t slowing down. At Cannes, the platform unveiled new AI video tools, signaling confidence in its future. Forrester analyst Kelsey Chickering believes smaller rivals like Snap will struggle to capitalize on the uncertainty.

The American Public Remains Split

A recent Pew Research survey shows the nation divided: only about one-third support banning TikTok, down from 50% last year. Another third oppose a ban, with the rest undecided.

Data security remains the biggest concern among ban supporters, but Trump’s own popularity on the app — where he’s amassed 15 million followers — adds another layer of irony to the debate.

What’s Next?

With tech giants like Apple, Google, and Oracle still supporting TikTok, reportedly on promises from Trump’s Justice Department to avoid legal crackdowns, the ban drama is far from over.

But as deadlines keep shifting and political motives blur the lines, one thing is clear: the fight over TikTok is as much about politics and power as it is about privacy.

Why This Matters for Mobile Gaming UA?

For mobile game publishers, TikTok isn’t a random platform; a critical UA engine, driving installs and engagement at scale here.

With 170M U.S. users, the app plays a huge role in shaping gaming trends, launching viral hits, and fueling influencer-driven campaigns. Any uncertainty around TikTok’s future makes it harder for UA teams to plan, optimize budgets, or double down on the platform’s high-performing ad formats.