TikTok back online in the US, thanking Donald Trump
TikTok has resumed its services in the United States, expressing gratitude to President-elect Donald Trump for his intervention. The app had temporarily gone offline due to a national security law that threatened to ban it unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divested its U.S. operations. This situation arose after the Supreme Court upheld legislation aimed at restricting TikTok’s operations in the U.S. due to concerns over data privacy and national security.
Trump’s Assurance: On January 19, 2025, Trump announced via Truth Social that he would issue an executive order to delay the enforcement of the ban, allowing negotiations for a potential sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to proceed. He stated this would protect national security while providing a framework for TikTok to continue operating.
TikTok’s Response: Following Trump’s announcement, TikTok thanked him for providing “clarity and assurance” to service providers, which enabled them to restore access to the platform for its 170 million American users. The company emphasized its commitment to working with Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok operational in the U.S.
Legal and Political Context: While Trump’s promise has temporarily lifted the ban, there remains skepticism regarding whether ByteDance can meet the legal requirements for a sale within the extended timeframe. Key Republican leaders continue to advocate for a complete divestiture from Chinese ownership, indicating that the reprieve may be short-lived unless substantial progress is made.
TikTok’s return is contingent on ongoing negotiations and regulatory compliance, with Trump’s administration poised to play a critical role in determining the app’s future in the U.S.
