TikTok has begun restoring its services in the United States following an announcement by President-elect Donald Trump, who pledged to reinstate the popular short-video app’s access once he assumes office on Monday. The decision comes after the app had been shut down over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership.
Speaking at a rally on Sunday, Trump stated, “Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it,” emphasising the importance of the app to over 170 million American users and more than 7 million small businesses. He revealed plans for the U.S. to seek a joint venture that would protect national security while ensuring TikTok’s continued operation.
TikTok thanks Trump for his support
In a message to its users, TikTok expressed gratitude to Trump, stating: “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.” This message was followed by an earlier statement in which TikTok confirmed its ongoing efforts to restore services. The company assured users that they were collaborating with service providers to reinstate access, thanking Trump for offering the necessary clarity to providers.
TikTok’s website became accessible on Sunday, and some basic services of the app were reportedly restored for a limited number of users. However, the app remained unavailable for download on U.S. app stores as of Sunday evening.
Tensions amid U.S.-China relations
The restoration of TikTok’s services comes at a precarious time in U.S.-China relations. While Trump has indicated intentions to levy tariffs on China, he has also expressed a desire for more direct engagement with Chinese leadership. The Chinese Embassy in Washington accused the U.S. of unfairly using state power to suppress TikTok, vowing to take measures to safeguard its rights.
The app had ceased functioning for U.S. users late on Saturday, coinciding with the implementation of a law banning TikTok over national security concerns. U.S. officials have alleged that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, poses a risk of data misuse.
Trump’s plans to save TikTok
Trump announced that he would extend the deadline for the law’s prohibitions to take effect, allowing time to negotiate a deal that secures national security interests. “I would like the United States to have a 50 per cent ownership position in a joint venture,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He also assured that companies assisting TikTok during the transition would face no liability.
TikTok responded by citing Trump’s promise of a 90-day reprieve from the ban, reassuring users that efforts were underway to restore full functionality.
A shift in Trump’s stance on TikTok
The decision to save TikTok marks a significant reversal for Trump, who previously sought to ban the app during his first term. In 2020, he signed an executive order requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok, citing concerns over the Chinese government accessing Americans’ data. More recently, however, Trump has expressed support for the app, acknowledging its role in engaging younger voters during the 2024 election.
Criticism within the republican party
Not all members of the Republican Party support Trump’s efforts to circumvent the ban. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts criticised the move, stating that ByteDance must sever ties with China to comply with U.S. law.
Impact on users and businesses
The ban’s temporary enforcement created widespread uncertainty among users and businesses reliant on TikTok. Web searches for VPNs surged as users sought ways to bypass the restrictions, while marketing firms scrambled to devise contingency plans. Many users expressed concerns about pending transactions on TikTok Shop, the app’s e-commerce platform.
The app’s unavailability also affected other ByteDance-owned services, including CapCut and Lemon8, which were removed from U.S. app stores.
Future prospects for TikTok
ByteDance has reportedly engaged in discussions with potential buyers, including billionaire Elon Musk, though the company denies plans to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations. Additionally, U.S. search engine startup Perplexity AI has submitted a bid to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations, proposing the creation of a new entity.
Privately held ByteDance is currently 60 per cent owned by institutional investors, with its founders and employees holding the remaining shares. The company employs over 7,000 people in the U.S.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Trump’s administration to broker a deal that secures TikTok’s future in the U.S. while addressing security concerns.
