President-elect Donald Trump is contemplating issuing a 90-day reprieve for TikTok as the popular social media platform faces a potential nationwide ban after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the prohibition to proceed.

The potential decision from Trump to grant an extension stems from national security concerns over data privacy and the need for TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell to a non-Chinese buyer, as the Daily Mail reports.

In a move that could impact approximately 170 million TikTok users in the United States, Trump plans to sign an executive order on Monday, Jan. 20.

While he has not finalized his decision, he has indicated a strong inclination towards granting TikTok a temporary reprieve. His rationale for the extension is to provide ByteDance additional time to resolve the national security concerns by selling to a non-Chinese entity.

Trump Considers Extension Amid Supreme Court Ruling

The matter reached a critical point when the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the ban, reinforcing a law passed by Congress.

This law mandated that ByteDance to sell its stakes in TikTok by Jan. 19, 2025, or face a ban in the U.S. over national security concerns regarding data collection.

Despite TikTok’s arguments that the ban could violate users' First Amendment rights, the appeal was unsuccessful in the nation’s highest court.

Previously, lower courts had rejected TikTok’s attempts to obstruct the ban, which led to the subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court. During a hearing on Jan. 10, the Supreme Court underscored the law's focus on foreign ownership without addressing content-related issues.

Conversations With China and Business Leaders

During recent communications with China’s President Xi Jinping, Trump discussed several critical issues, including trade balances, the opioid epidemic, and TikTok.

Confident in positive outcomes, Trump expressed hope that dialogue with President Xi would result in a resolution that promotes mutual benefits and global peace. He also noted that conversations during his presidency's transition have remained fruitful for both nations.

Adding to the discussions surrounding TikTok’s future, Trump has shown a softer stance post-election. This shift is evident in his plans for TikTok’s CEO, who has been invited to attend Trump’s inauguration alongside various tech leaders.

Trump appreciates TikTok’s role in enhancing his rapport with younger voters during the 2024 election, which may influence his potential decision to facilitate ByteDance more time for the sale.

Impact on Influencers and Sentiments

The looming ban has caused emotional reactions among influencers and creators who have harnessed TikTok as a platform to reach broad audiences. These content creators have expressed anxiety over the potential disruption to their established businesses and followings. The 90-day extension represents a temporary relief for them, as they hope for a swift resolution with ByteDance’s compliance with American regulatory requirements.

Trump has consistently recognized the Supreme Court's role, reinforcing respect for its decisions, even as he contemplates the extension decision further. He has mentioned the necessity for careful evaluation, committing to making a decision soon. This ongoing evaluation aims to thoroughly explore the implications of a TikTok ban and its broader repercussions on trade and diplomatic relationships.

A Historical Context of Concerns

Throughout his first term, Trump consistently cited national security risks linked to TikTok -- primarily concerning data access by the Chinese government. These apprehensions have dominated public discourse, intensifying after Congress enacted legislation demanding ByteDance divest its TikTok operations. Whereas Trump once considered aggressive action, his reelection has seemingly prompted more inclusive discussions with stakeholders involved.

As the deadline approaches, it remains critical for all parties to manage these security concerns collaboratively. Should ByteDance successfully divest, the result could not only avert a ban but also potentially establish an organized framework for handling similar technological concerns between the nations in the future.

What the Future Holds for TikTok

Trump's administration now stands at a crossroads, facing the challenge of balancing legitimate security concerns with the economic impacts that a ban may incur. The potential executive order signals an opportunity for both increased cooperation and further negotiation, both domestically and internationally.

Much anticipation surrounds Trump's decision on Monday, as stakeholders keenly observe the resulting actions affecting TikTok's fate. ByteDance and its prospective buyers, alongside millions of users, now await clarification on their next steps. As the narrative unfolds, many watch closely, awaiting a resolution beneficial to all parties involved.