Donald Trump Says He ‘May Let TikTok Die’ as September 17 Deadline Nears, Puts App’s Fate in China’s Hands Amid US Security Concerns

US President Donald Trump has said TikTok may soon be shut down in the United States. He told reporters in New Jersey that he “may let it die” as the September 17 deadline approaches. The president said the app’s future depends on China, not Washington.

Trump explained that he has not decided on another extension. He added that he would like to save TikTok for young users who enjoy the platform. But he also stressed that national security remains a concern.

TikTok Deadline Approaches

TikTok’s parent company ByteDance was ordered to sell or shut its US operations by January 2025. The law was aimed at limiting risks of foreign control over American user data. When Trump began his second term in January, he chose not to enforce the order immediately.

Instead, he gave TikTok three deadline extensions. The dates were moved from April to June, and then to September. September 17 is now the fourth and final cut-off date unless Trump decides otherwise.

According to Reuters, Trump said last month that US buyers were interested in taking over TikTok. But the deal has stalled. Any sale would require approval from Beijing to share TikTok’s key algorithm.

China’s Role in TikTok Deal

Talks with China remain the biggest barrier. Beijing has resisted giving up TikTok’s algorithm, which drives the app’s global popularity. The situation worsened when Trump announced new tariffs on Chinese goods earlier this year. In response, China signaled it would block any forced sale.

A plan to spin off TikTok into a US-based company was once close to being finalized. The new firm would have been majority-owned by American investors. But China’s refusal halted the process. Now Trump says he may not push further. “We may let it die,” he told reporters.

Why It Matters for Americans

TikTok has more than 170 million users in the United States. Many young people use it for entertainment, education, and social connection. It has also become a key platform for creators and businesses.

If the app is shut down, it would leave a gap for users and digital entrepreneurs. Critics argue that national security must come first. They warn that Beijing could use TikTok to spy or censor Americans. Supporters say banning it would harm free expression and limit competition in social media.

For Trump, TikTok also has political value. It helped him connect with younger voters during the 2024 campaign. But with the deadline days away, the app’s future now rests with China and the White House.

Donald Trump has warned that he may let TikTok die. The September 17 deadline could decide the fate of one of the world’s most popular apps.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: What did Trump say about TikTok’s future?

He said he may let it die and that the decision depends on China. He spoke to reporters in New Jersey on September 14.

Q2: When is the TikTok deadline?

The deadline is September 17, 2025. It is the fourth extension since Trump began his second term in January.

Q3: Why is TikTok considered a security risk?

Lawmakers fear that Beijing could use TikTok to spy on Americans or censor content. That is why ByteDance was ordered to sell US assets.

Q4: Has a deal for TikTok’s US operations been made?

No. Talks have stalled because China has refused to allow the transfer of TikTok’s key algorithm to US buyers.

Q5: How many Americans use TikTok?

More than 170 million people in the US use TikTok. Many creators and businesses depend on it for income and reach.