On the 18th of January 2025, the TikTok ban was implemented in USA. However , 14 hours later, TikTok announced on Sunday that it is restoring its service to U.S. users. This comes following assurances from President-elect Donald Trump that he would take measures to secure its future when he returns to office on Monday.
What happened after the TikTok ban?
In a message to its users, TikTok credited Trump for enabling its comeback, stating, “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.” The platform added that it is working with service providers to fully restore its app and website, which went offline late Saturday due to a law barring its operation on national security grounds.
The company expressed gratitude to Trump for providing “clarity and assurance” to service providers, ensuring they would not face penalties for supporting TikTok’s operations. The platform emphasized its importance to over 170 million U.S. users and more than 7 million small businesses.
This development marks a significant shift in Trump’s stance on the TikTok ban. During his first term, Trump sought to ban the app, citing concerns about data security and its ties to Chinese parent company ByteDance. However, in recent months, he has softened his tone, describing TikTok as an effective tool for engaging young voters and crediting it for his 2024 electoral success.
Also read about why TikTok is getting ban threats here
What exactly has Trump done about the TikTok ban?
Trump’s decision to extend the timeline for the app’s compliance with national security laws has sparked mixed reactions. He announced plans to issue an executive order on Monday, allowing TikTok additional time to negotiate a deal that addresses security concerns. He also expressed interest in a joint venture that would give the U.S. a 50% ownership stake in the platform. Now, some people Americans think this was all staged so that Trump could eventually look like a knight in shining armor, while others think he is a perfectly understanding President by reversing the TikTok ban.
However, not all Republicans are on board with this temporary reprieve. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts criticized the decision, stating, “Now that the law has taken effect, there is no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension’ of its effective date.” They insisted that TikTok must sever all ties with ByteDance to comply with the law.
The controversy underscores broader tensions in U.S.-China relations, as Trump simultaneously signals plans for tariffs on Chinese goods while expressing a desire for direct dialogue with China’s leadership.
How creators reacted to the TikTok ban
The temporary TikTok ban on Saturday left many users scrambling for alternatives. Web searches for virtual private networks (VPNs) spiked, and rivals like Meta and Snap saw their share prices rise as investors anticipated a shift in users and advertising revenue.
Concerns also mounted among e-commerce businesses and influencers reliant on TikTok Shop, the platform’s marketplace. Marketing agencies described the situation as a “hair-on-fire” moment, rushing to adjust strategies amid the uncertainty.
Other ByteDance-owned apps, including CapCut and Lemon8, were also removed from U.S. app stores. Meanwhile, Beijing criticized the U.S. for what it described as an abuse of state power, vowing to defend its interests.
What Next for the TikTok ban and TikTok itself?
The app’s future remains uncertain despite Trump’s intervention. Analysts estimate TikTok’s U.S. operations could be worth as much as $50 billion, with several suitors reportedly expressing interest. Media reports suggest that Trump ally Elon Musk has been in discussions with Beijing about acquiring TikTok’s U.S. assets, though the company has denied these claims.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and a rally on Sunday, signaling the company’s commitment to finding a resolution.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: TikTok’s survival is shaping up to be a defining moment in the ongoing battle between U.S. national security interests and the global dominance of Chinese technology.
