TikTok has restored its service to U.S. users following a brief interruption over the weekend. The decision comes after President-elect Donald Trump offered assurances to the platform’s service providers, alleviating concerns about a nationwide ban.
A Quick Resolution Following Trump’s Intervention
On Sunday, TikTok announced that it was working to bring its platform back online after suspending service the previous evening. In a statement, the company thanked Trump for providing the necessary clarity that would allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S.
“We are in the process of restoring service, and we appreciate President Trump’s efforts to reassure our service providers,” TikTok said in a post on X. The company highlighted how important it was for the app to remain accessible to its large user base in the U.S., which includes over 170 million Americans and 7 million small businesses.
Trump’s Executive Order to Protect TikTok
Earlier on Sunday, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to announce that he would issue an executive order on Monday to extend the deadline for the TikTok ban. This executive order would allow more time to negotiate a deal regarding the platform’s future in the U.S.
“I will issue an executive order to extend the period before the law’s prohibitions take effect,” Trump wrote. “The order will also ensure there are no penalties for any company that helped keep TikTok running in the U.S.”
Gradual Restoration of Services
By Sunday afternoon, TikTok began restoring its services in phases. Initially, users could access content via web browsers, and later in the day, full functionality was available to many. The app welcomed users back with a message expressing gratitude for their patience, thanking Trump for his role in ensuring TikTok’s return to U.S. operations. However, the app remained unavailable for download on the Apple and Google app stores.
Legal Complications and Banning Law
The suspension and subsequent restoration of TikTok’s service were part of ongoing legal challenges related to a law set to take effect on Sunday. The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, mandates that TikTok would be banned unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests the platform to a non-Chinese entity.
The law grants the president authority to delay the ban by up to 90 days, but after the Supreme Court upheld the legislation on Friday, the Biden administration left the decision in Trump’s hands.
Shifting Political Stances on TikTok
The issue of TikTok has seen a shift in political positions. While Trump previously supported a ban during his first term, he has now reversed his stance, declaring his intent to “save” the app. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has opted not to enforce the ban, leaving the responsibility to Trump.
On Saturday, TikTok was removed from app stores, and service to U.S. users was suspended as a result.
Republican Divisions Over TikTok’s Future
Trump’s intervention to keep TikTok operational has sparked mixed reactions within his party. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed support for enforcing the law but suggested Trump’s actions may push ByteDance to divest ownership.
Other Republicans, such as Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts, criticized the proposed extension, arguing there was no legal basis for delaying the ban. They stated that any future reinstatement of TikTok would require ByteDance to comply with the law’s divestiture terms, severing all ties to the Chinese government.
ByteDance Under Pressure to Sell
Even with Trump’s proposed extension, ByteDance faces growing pressure to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese entity. Trump has suggested a possible solution through a joint venture, where the U.S. would own 50% of TikTok. However, the law limits foreign adversary ownership to 20%, creating a legal obstacle for such a deal without changes to the law.
While Congress could amend the law, gaining bipartisan support for such a move remains uncertain.
In response to the situation, China’s foreign ministry urged the U.S. to treat businesses fairly. “TikTok has operated in the U.S. for many years and is loved by American users,” said spokesperson Mao Ning. “We hope the U.S. will create a fair, open, and non-discriminatory environment for companies operating there.”
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