TikTok announced Sunday it is resuming services for U.S. users following a temporary suspension initiated the evening before. The platform’s return comes after President-elect Donald Trump assured service providers that they would not face penalties for supporting TikTok’s operations in the United States.
The popular video-sharing app, which caters to over 170 million U.S. users and supports over 7 million small businesses, expressed gratitude in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
TikTok Resumes Services as President-elect Donald Trump Intervenes
“In cooperation with our service providers, TikTok is restoring its services,” said the company. “We are thankful to President Trump for having made clear necessary points and having offered assurances sufficient that TikTok may continue to operate in the U.S.” According to TikTok, this was reaffirmation to “continue on with efforts for an appropriate and sustainable solution toward remaining available here.”
The suspension was temporary. It started on Saturday evening, when TikTok was removed from the Apple and Google app stores and services were blocked for American users. However, sporadic availability resumed Sunday afternoon, first through web browsers and then within the app itself. Users were greeted with a welcoming message: “Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. TikTok is back in the U.S.! Keep creating, sharing, and discovering all the things you love.”
Trump Intervenes and Postpones TikTok Ban Just before the ban was implemented, Trump took to Truth Social, outlining the significance of the app as it relates to his inauguration on Monday. He promised to issue an executive order extending the timeline before a ban might take effect and ensuring that service providers face no liability.
“I will sign an executive order on Monday protecting our national security while allowing for TikTok operations to continue now,” Trump announced, clearly declaring that he has every intention to strike a bargain.
The current law, signed in April by President Joe Biden, requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations to a non-Chinese buyer. Failure to do so would result in a permanent ban. While ByteDance has shown no interest in divestiture, Trump has proposed a joint venture with U.S. ownership capped at 50%, though this may conflict with the law’s 20% cap for foreign ownership.
Republican lawmakers seem divided on the issue. Some are opposed to an extension, arguing that the ban needs to be fully enforced.
While TikTok continues to work with the administration on a long-term solution, there is still uncertainty regarding its future in the United States.
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