TikTok Back Online After Brief Shutdown, Trump Delays Ban to Allow More Time for a Potential Deal
App Goes Dark, Returns as Trump Delays Ban
TikTok restored its services in the United States on Sunday after a brief suspension caused by a national security law targeting the app. The move came as President-elect Donald Trump announced a delay in enforcing the ban to allow more time for a potential deal.
The ban, which took effect late Saturday, required ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell its U.S. operations to non-Chinese owners. Millions of dismayed users found the app inaccessible Sunday morning. However, Trump’s pledge to issue an executive order delaying the ban led to TikTok’s return by the afternoon.
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers,”
TikTok stated on X, confirming its service was back online.
Trump Proposes U.S. Stake in TikTok
Trump took to Truth Social, suggesting that the United States take a 50% ownership stake in TikTok through a joint venture. He argued this could increase the app’s value to “hundreds of billions, maybe trillions” and ensure its operations remain secure.
“By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands,”
he stated.
The president-elect Donald Trump’s position marks a notable shift from his previous support for a complete ban on TikTok during his first term.
Biden Administration Leaves Ban to Trump
The Biden administration, which had initially stated it would not enforce the ban, said it would leave the matter in Trump’s hands. However, experts warn that the law underpinning the ban allows only limited flexibility for any president to intervene.
“Congress wrote this law to be virtually president-proof,”
noted Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the Chamber of Progress.
The law includes a provision for a 90-day delay if significant progress is made toward a deal, but ByteDance has thus far refused to sell its U.S. operations.
TikTok Sparks Mixed Reactions Worldwide
TikTok’s temporary suspension sparked an outpouring of grief and humor on social media platforms like X, with memes mourning its absence. Meanwhile, in Europe, Estonia’s foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, praised the U.S. ban and called for similar action across the continent, citing concerns over disinformation.
At the Australian Open, tennis star Coco Gauff joined the conversation, writing “RIP TikTok USA” on a courtside camera after her match.
“I love TikTok. It’s like an escape… hopefully it comes back,” she told reporters.
What’s Next for TikTok?
While TikTok is back for now, its future in the U.S. remains uncertain. ByteDance’s refusal to sell could leave the app vulnerable to another shutdown unless a viable deal is reached.
The ban not only targets TikTok’s presence in app stores but also imposes hefty penalties on Apple, Google, and Oracle if they fail to enforce restrictions.
For now, TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users are celebrating its return, even as the app continues to navigate political and legal challenges.
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