TikTok Restores Service in the U.S. After Trump's Assurances

TikTok has announced the restoration of its service in the United States after temporary suspension. The video-sharing platform took action following assurances from President-elect Donald Trump, ensuring no penalties for its service providers. This move has brought clarity to millions of users and small businesses that rely on the app.

Service Back Online After Temporary Suspension

On Sunday, TikTok began restoring its services in the U.S. after blocking access the previous evening. The company shared the update via a post on X, thanking President Trump for providing necessary assurances to its service providers.

“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” the statement read. “We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties for providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and supporting over 7 million small businesses.”

The company also emphasized its commitment to working with Trump on a long-term solution to keep TikTok operational in the U.S. while ensuring compliance with national security concerns.

Trump's Executive Order: Key Details

President Trump, who had previously called for a ban on TikTok, reversed his stance, citing its significance to American users and small businesses. In a post on Truth Social, he announced plans to issue an executive order on Monday.

The order would:

Extend the time before the law banning TikTok’s operation in the U.S. takes effect.

Provide guarantees that companies involved in keeping TikTok operational will not face legal liabilities.

Trump also highlighted TikTok’s importance for broadcasting his inauguration on Monday, further reinforcing his commitment to keeping the platform accessible.

Gradual Restoration of Access

TikTok’s return to the U.S. came in stages on Sunday. Initially, the platform’s web browser version became available, followed by the gradual restoration of the app for mobile users. Welcoming users back, TikTok displayed the message:

“Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.! You can continue to create, share, and discover all the things you love on TikTok.”

However, the app remains unavailable for download on Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. Efforts are underway to address this issue.

The Law and Its Implications

The law banning TikTok, passed earlier this year, required ByteDance—TikTok’s parent company—to sell its U.S. operations to a non-Chinese owner. Without such a divestiture, TikTok’s operations in the U.S. would cease.

President Joe Biden signed this law in April, allowing the president to extend the deadline by 90 days if specific conditions are met. With the law’s enforcement looming, President Trump’s intervention provided temporary relief.

Political Responses and Reactions

While TikTok’s restoration has been met with relief by users, it has sparked political debate. Some Republican leaders remain skeptical of the extension granted by Trump.

House Speaker Mike Johnson stated during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press”:

“I think we will enforce the law. When President Trump issued the Truth [Social] post and said, ‘Save TikTok,’ the way we read that is that he’s going to push for a true divestiture, changing the ownership structure.”

Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts released a joint statement emphasizing the importance of enforcing the law.

“Now that the law has taken effect, there’s no legal basis for any kind of extension. For TikTok to operate in the future, ByteDance must agree to a sale that meets the law’s divestiture requirements,” the statement said.

Future of TikTok in the U.S.

TikTok’s future remains uncertain. Even with the extension proposed by Trump, the law mandates that ByteDance divest its ownership to a non-Chinese entity. ByteDance has shown no indication of agreeing to this condition, further complicating the app’s long-term viability in the U.S.

President Trump has floated the idea of a joint venture where the U.S. owns 50% of TikTok. However, the current law caps ownership by foreign adversaries at 20%, raising questions about the feasibility of such a proposal. Congress would need to amend the law to allow for this arrangement.

A Platform for Millions

TikTok’s importance goes beyond entertainment. With over 170 million users in the U.S. and 7 million small businesses leveraging the platform, its impact on the digital economy is significant. TikTok’s commitment to finding a long-term solution demonstrates its dedication to maintaining its U.S. presence despite political and legal challenges.

The restoration of TikTok’s services in the U.S. marks a temporary resolution to the ongoing debate surrounding the platform. While President Trump’s assurances have provided relief to users and businesses, the app’s future hinges on navigating complex legal and political landscapes. As TikTok works toward a long-term solution, its role as a critical platform for creators and businesses remains undeniable.

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This information is sourced from NBC News