TikTok resumed service in the United States on Sunday after briefly shutting down due to a ban enacted over national security concerns. The social media giant, which faced a blackout Saturday night, attributed the restoration to President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office Monday. Trump’s intervention followed the Biden administration’s decision to refrain from enforcing the ban.
The ban, stemming from legislation requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. subsidiary, had sparked widespread dismay. Millions of American users found themselves unable to access the app Sunday morning, prompting Trump to announce plans for an executive order delaying the ban. Trump also proposed a bold idea: the U.S. should hold a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture with TikTok, arguing this move could unlock immense economic potential.
“By doing this, we save TikTok and keep it in good hands,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform. He has consistently advocated for measures to address security concerns linked to TikTok’s Chinese ownership, which has been criticized for potential risks related to user data and disinformation.
TikTok, in a statement on X, confirmed it was “in the process of restoring service” and expressed gratitude to Trump for providing clarity to service providers. However, the app did not directly address his proposal for partial U.S. ownership.
The legislation enforcing the ban permits a 90-day extension if progress is made toward a deal. However, ByteDance has resisted selling its U.S. operations, complicating efforts to comply. The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld the ban, reinforcing pressure on the Chinese company.
The Biden administration deferred responsibility for enforcing the law to Trump, leaving the incoming president with limited options to fully lift the ban unless ByteDance agrees to sell.
TikTok’s brief suspension triggered a wave of reactions across social media, with memes and debates proliferating. Even athletes like tennis star Coco Gauff chimed in, humorously marking the occasion during the Australian Open.
Meanwhile, potential buyers have emerged, including Perplexity AI, which proposed a merger worth an estimated $50 billion. Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt also expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. assets.
As the saga unfolds, TikTok’s future in the United States remains uncertain, underscoring the ongoing clash between digital innovation, global politics, and national security.
