TikTok back online: Thanks Trump for deal-making time

TikTok restored its services to U.S. users on Sunday afternoon after President-elect Donald Trump assured a delay in enforcing a federal ban. Trump pledged to grant the company time to finalize a deal that complies with the federal order requiring its China-based parent, ByteDance, to sever ties with U.S. operations.

The app briefly shut down on Sunday due to national security concerns. The federal order permitted a 90-day extension if TikTok initiated a viable sale. Trump, set to assume office on January 20, emphasized his desire for the U.S. to hold a 50% stake in any joint venture, claiming the app’s value could reach trillions of dollars.

“By doing this, we save TikTok and keep it in good hands,” Trump stated on Truth Social. He suggested the move benefits American users and strengthens the app’s position in the market.

Trump’s Changed Approach

Trump previously supported banning TikTok during his first term. However, courts blocked his orders targeting ByteDance and WeChat. His recent shift likely stems from TikTok’s role in boosting his popularity among young voters during his White House campaign.

Following Trump’s remarks, TikTok confirmed it was restoring service. The company thanked Trump for providing clarity to its service providers, ensuring no penalties for delivering the app to over 170 million Americans.

“As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” the app informed users.

Lingering Uncertainty

Despite TikTok’s announcement, the app remained unavailable on Google Play and Apple’s App Store. Trump’s promise also lacked concrete details, as the Supreme Court upheld the ban, enforcing it the day before Trump’s return to power. The implementation timeline remains unclear, raising questions about the app’s future in the U.S.

While TikTok celebrates this temporary victory, it must navigate legal and political challenges to secure a long-term presence in the country.