The possibility of a TikTok U.S. Ban 2025 is becoming more real, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. In a recent CNBC interview on July 24, Lutnick said the popular social media platform could be completely shut down in the United States if the Chinese government fails to approve a proposed deal to sell its U.S. operations.
“If that deal gets approved by the Chinese, then that deal will happen. If they don’t approve it, then TikTok is going to go dark,” Lutnick warned.
“Those decisions are coming very soon.”
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With the TikTok U.S. Ban 2025 deadline fast approaching, American users and content creators could soon lose access to the app entirely.
The Sale Deal and Diplomatic Delays
Lutnick clarified that while the TikTok divestiture deal isn’t officially part of ongoing U.S.-China trade talks, it is being discussed informally.
“You can’t really go meet somebody and not bring up the topics that are open,” he said.
“It’s not officially a part of it, but unofficially, of course, it’s going to be discussed.”
Neither TikTok nor the White House offered immediate responses when contacted by USA TODAY on July 24 about the TikTok U.S. Ban 2025 scenario.
When Will the TikTok U.S. Ban 2025 Happen?
The latest deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, to sell its U.S. operations is September 17, 2025. Former President Donald Trump issued an executive order in June extending this deadline—the third extension since the issue first gained traction.
In January, the app briefly went dark in the U.S. due to federal legislation signed by then-President Joe Biden. That moment offered a preview of the consequences that could follow the TikTok U.S. Ban 2025 if no deal is reached.
National Security at the Center of TikTok U.S. Ban 2025
Lawmakers and intelligence officials continue to express concerns that TikTok poses a national security threat. They allege that ByteDance could be compelled by Beijing to share user data collected from American citizens.
While TikTok has consistently denied these accusations, citing strong privacy policies and separate data storage, those reassurances have done little to halt bipartisan momentum behind the TikTok U.S. Ban 2025 legislation.
Congress passed a bill last year requiring TikTok to be sold or banned, prompting U.S. leaders to push for complete divestiture from Chinese control.
Americans to Control TikTok?
If the sale is approved, Lutnick noted that ownership and technological control would be fully handed over to U.S. interests:
“Basically, Americans will have control. Americans will own the technology. Americans will control the algorithm. That’s something Donald Trump is willing to do.”
But if the Chinese government declines to approve the sale, the TikTok U.S. Ban 2025 will move forward, shutting down one of the most used apps in America.
Where Do Sale Talks Stand?
So far, a final deal hasn’t been confirmed. Trump recently told Fox News that he has “very wealthy people” ready to purchase the U.S. arm of TikTok. Still, uncertainty reigns. This month, private equity firm Blackstone withdrew from a potential investment group, casting more doubt on whether a buyer will emerge before the TikTok U.S. Ban 2025 deadline.
Lutnick made it clear that the pressure is on China.
“The deal is over to them right now.”
Countdown to TikTok U.S. Ban 2025
As the September 17 deadline nears, the future of TikTok in the United States grows increasingly unstable. Without Chinese approval of the sale, the TikTok U.S. Ban 2025 will be enforced, permanently severing American access to the platform.
For now, all eyes are on Beijing.
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