TikTok began the process of restoring its services in the United States, following a dramatic 24-hour blackout that affected millions of American users. The platform’s return was due to a promise made by President-elect Donald Trump, who vowed to issue an executive order extending TikTok’s operations and delaying the enforcement of a ban that was set to take effect on January 19, 2025.
The social media giant, owned by China-based ByteDance, had been embroiled in a legal battle after President Biden signed a bipartisan law mandating that the platform’s parent company sell TikTok to an approved buyer by the deadline. If the sale didn’t occur, TikTok would face a nationwide ban due to security concerns. On Saturday, users began reporting that they were unable to access the app, receiving a message stating that TikTok was unavailable due to the law’s prohibitions. However, by Sunday afternoon, TikTok had reactivated, with a new message appearing for users crediting Trump’s intervention.
“Welcome back! Thank you for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” the message read.
This message was followed by a post from Trump on his social media platform, TRUTH Social, in which he reassured users that he was taking steps to prevent a permanent shutdown. Trump wrote, “I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.” He also added that companies working with TikTok would not face penalties, and that he was committed to finding a way to save the app, especially in light of its importance to millions of Americans and small businesses.
Trump’s post came after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law on Friday, which ordered ByteDance to either sell TikTok or face a ban due to national security concerns linked to the app’s data collection practices and its ties to China. In response, ByteDance and TikTok had filed lawsuits, arguing that the law was unjust and unconstitutional.
Trump’s solution to the issue involves creating a joint venture in which the U.S. would hold a 50% ownership stake. The president-elect argued that a partnership with American companies could mitigate the national security risks while allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. He emphasized that without U.S. approval, TikTok would not exist, and with American backing, it could be worth “hundreds of billions of dollars—maybe trillions.”
TikTok responded to Trump’s intervention with a statement posted on its official X account, thanking the president-elect for his “clarity and assurance” that the platform could continue operating. The statement read: “We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
TikTok also made it clear that it would continue to work closely with service providers and regulators to avoid any disruptions in its operations.
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