TikTok Restores Service for U.S. Users Following Trump’s Intervention: What You Need to Know

TikTok Restores Service for U.S. Users Following Trump’s Intervention: What You Need to Know

 


TikTok has begun restoring its services for U.S. users after a brief suspension, following assurances from President-elect Donald Trump to its service providers. The popular video-sharing platform confirmed the restoration in a statement on Sunday, highlighting Trump’s role in providing clarity and support to ensure its continued operation in the United States.

 

TikTok’s Service Restoration and Trump’s Role

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok announced, “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties for providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.”

 

The company emphasized its commitment to free expression, stating, “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.”

 

The restoration of service came after Trump publicly advocated for TikTok’s availability on Truth Social, his social media platform. He indicated plans to issue an executive order on Monday to extend the deadline for the app’s potential ban, allowing time for negotiations to address national security concerns. Trump also assured that companies supporting TikTok’s operations would not face liability.

 

TikTok’s Rollout and User Experience

Service was gradually restored on Sunday afternoon, with access initially available through web browsers. By late afternoon, the app became functional for some users, displaying a welcome message: “Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump's efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.! You can continue to create, share, and discover all the things you love on TikTok.”

 

However, TikTok remained unavailable for download on Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, leaving some users unable to access the platform.

 

Background on the TikTok Ban

The potential ban on TikTok stems from a law signed by President Joe Biden in April, which requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the U.S. The law was set to take effect on Sunday but allows the president to grant a 90-day extension under certain conditions.

 

Trump’s intervention marks a shift in his stance on TikTok. During his first term, he advocated for a ban, but during his recent campaign, he expressed support for the platform, vowing to save it. Similarly, the Biden administration has deferred enforcement of the ban to Trump, signaling a reversal of its earlier position.

 

Political Reactions and Legal Challenges

The restoration of TikTok has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) suggested that Trump’s support for TikTok aligns with efforts to enforce a “true divestiture” of the app, ensuring it is no longer controlled by a Chinese entity. Meanwhile, Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) criticized the idea of an extension, arguing that ByteDance must comply with the law’s divestiture requirements.

 

The law defines a “foreign adversary-controlled” entity as one with at least a 20% ownership stake by a foreign person or entity. Trump has proposed a joint venture model where the U.S. would own 50% of TikTok, but this would require changes to the current law, which caps foreign adversary ownership at 20%.

 

What’s Next for TikTok?

Despite the temporary reprieve, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain. ByteDance has shown no interest in selling TikTok, and any long-term solution will require navigating complex legal and political challenges. TikTok has expressed its commitment to working with Trump on a sustainable solution, but the path forward is far from clear.

 

As the situation evolves, TikTok users and businesses reliant on the platform will be closely watching developments. For now, the app’s restoration is a testament to the ongoing debate over national security, free speech, and the role of foreign-owned technology in the U.S.

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