Mike Waltz, incoming National Security Adviser, said on January 19 that President-elect Donald Trump may allow TikTok to remain under Chinese ownership if American users’ data is effectively protected.

TikTok has ceased operations for its 170 million users in the United States following a law banning the app due to concerns about potential data misuse by Chinese officials.

Trump’s team indicated that he may grant a 90-day extension after his inauguration on January 20 to reassess the situation.

Waltz noted that a 90-day extension would allow TikTok to evaluate potential buyers, possibly leading to continued operations under new ownership or modifications.

However, Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, indicated that Trump might encourage ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest of the app entirely.

Recent TikTok developments