TikTok Resumes U.S. Service Following Trump’s Intervention
TikTok has restored access to its platform for 170 million U.S. users after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order granting the app a temporary reprieve. The move came just hours after the app went offline due to a law banning it on national security grounds, which took effect on Sunday.
The Chinese-owned platform had ceased operations in the U.S. after failing to comply with a legal requirement to divest its American business. However, Trump pledged on Truth Social to delay the enforcement of the ban once he assumes office on Monday. In response, TikTok began restoring service and expressed gratitude to the president-elect for providing clarity on the matter.
“Thank you for offering the necessary assurance,” TikTok said in a statement, adding that it is committed to working with the incoming administration to find a long-term solution that ensures its continued operation in the U.S.
The law banning TikTok, enacted last year with bipartisan support, was upheld by the Supreme Court and required the removal of the app from app stores and web-hosting platforms unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sold its U.S. operations. While the Biden administration had indicated it would not enforce the ban during its final days in office, TikTok had preemptively gone offline Saturday evening.
Trump’s decision to intervene has reignited debate over the app’s future. Critics within his own party, including Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton, expressed concerns about national security risks associated with TikTok and warned companies against supporting the platform.
“Any company facilitating TikTok’s operations could face severe legal consequences,” Cotton stated.
Legal experts have noted that the president-elect’s executive order could face challenges, as it may not override the law or shield third-party companies from liability. While Trump has signaled intentions to protect those aiding TikTok’s continued service, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar argued during Supreme Court hearings that executive actions cannot retroactively alter the law.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, underscoring the app’s efforts to maintain a cooperative stance with the new administration. However, the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s status remains unresolved, with potential state-level bans and legal battles still on the horizon.
Observers note that Trump’s ability to delay the ban may depend on demonstrating substantial progress in addressing national security concerns. Whether those conditions have been met remains unclear, leaving the platform’s long-term future in the U.S. uncertain.