In a surprising twist, Trump is mulling a 90-day extension for TikTok to dodge a U.S. ban, prompting speculation if ByteDance's CEO will be the second VIP invited to his inauguration after the TikTok dance craze.

This potential extension, which could buy TikTok some time to dance around U.S. restrictions, is a notable shift for Trump, who once tried to ban the app altogether. With TikTok facing the deadline to go dark this Sunday, the fate of its millions of users now hinges on whether Trump can put some upbeat moves into his decision-making—or if he’ll just leave them hanging while ByteDance's CEO practices the Macarena for the inauguration.

Originally, TikTok was on thin ice thanks to a bipartisan congressional law that requires its parent company, ByteDance, to officially sever ties with China. The ban was framed as a matter of national security, prompting both parties to, for once, agree on something. Cue the bipartisan awkwardness as everyone pretends they’ve always loved TikTok, sponsored dances, and viral challenges.

Trump's recent statements suggest he is considering a 90-day extension, resembling more of a might-just-do-it sort of vibe rather than a decisive response. As he confirmed, "I’m weighing my options for the kids and all the TikTok enthusiasts who might want those upcoming dance challenges."

However, before the TikTokers start crafting their emotional farewell videos, it’s important to note that a final decision has yet to be made. Trump’s pondering phase might last longer than trying to learn the dance moves from a viral TikTok, but it makes for great suspense as the clock ticks down to that imminent Sunday shutdown. No pressure, right?

The proposed extension, permissible under last year's bipartisan law, mandates that there must be evidence of progress toward divestiture. It seems that amidst all the hustle, Trump will need to muster a factor that resembles negotiating a divorce settlement, all while TikTok lives in constant fear of its imminent expiration date. You’d think ByteDance is trying to cut ties with an overbearing partner rather than a government.

As the deadline looms near, TikTok warned that it might just vanish into thin air on Sunday. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre quickly dismissed the app's plans to go offline as "a stunt." This statement has sparked a flurry of speculation regarding the appropriate moment to announce their next dance challenge—unfortunately for TikTok, dramatic exits rarely come with a soundtrack.

Legally, the law requires the president to certify that there’s a tangible path to divestiture, complete with legally binding agreements. Sounds easy, right? After all, securing a formal divorce can’t be that challenging—except it absolutely is when you throw a few countries into the mix. The circumstances have certainly escalated from casual duet practices to high-stakes legal tango.

In stark contrast to his previous strategies during his first term, where calling for a ban sounded more like a popcorn movie drama than a political directive, Trump’s current dealings regarding TikTok raise a question: Are we witnessing a genuine pivot? Trump announced he is likely to grant TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid a ban in the United States, though a final decision has not yet been made.

Interestingly, TikTok's CEO, Shou Chew, is expected to attend Trump's inauguration ceremony. The alliance of a former foe and the app could turn into the most entertaining part of the event, even better than any over-the-top fireworks display.

As everything stands, the fate of TikTok is uncertain amid strategic deliberations and political maneuvering. Trump announced he is likely to grant TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid a ban in the United States, but a final decision on the extension has not been made yet. Without an extension, TikTok indicated it would go offline on Sunday, yet White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has called TikTok's plans to go dark a 'stunt'. The next three months will certainly keep both TikTok enthusiasts and U.S. lawmakers guessing as they try to figure out what the future holds for the platform.