Trump to Save TikTok: App Restores Services in the US After Brief Shutdown

Just hours after suspending operations in the United States due to a ban order from the Biden administration, TikTok has begun restoring its services. This development follows an announcement by incoming President Donald Trump, who stated that he would ensure the app's return upon his inauguration as the 47th President on Monday.

The Chinese-owned social media app expressed gratitude to Mr. Trump for his "clarity and assurance" in a statement issued Sunday. "We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers. This step ensures they face no penalties for keeping TikTok available to over 170 million Americans and supporting over 7 million small businesses. It's a stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship," TikTok said.

TikTok had ceased operations late Saturday before a law banning the app over national security concerns took effect. US officials had raised concerns that ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, could misuse American user data. However, Mr. Trump vowed to delay the enforcement of the ban by 90 days through an executive order upon taking office.

On his platform Truth Social, Mr. Trump stated his intent to craft a deal to protect national security while allowing TikTok to operate. "I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture," he said, adding that the executive order would also ensure no liabilities for companies helping to restore TikTok services.

Addressing a rally ahead of his inauguration, Trump said, "Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it." He emphasized TikTok's cultural and economic significance, noting the platform’s role in connecting over 170 million Americans and providing opportunities for millions of small businesses.

TikTok’s current stance marks a shift from Trump’s first term, during which he sought to ban the app in 2020 over alleged data-sharing with the Chinese government. Back then, Trump signed an executive order giving ByteDance 90 days to divest its US operations, although a partnership deal involving Oracle and Walmart was eventually proposed instead.

In the 2024 election, Trump credited TikTok with helping him win young voters, stating, “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok.” With the app now operational again, Trump’s approach underscores a dramatic reversal, focusing on balancing national security with the app’s economic and cultural value.