TikTok Ban In USA Latest Updates: Service Restored In U.S. After Trump Intervenes
TikTok began restoring its services on Sunday following the announcement from President-elect Donald Trump that he would reinstate the app in the U.S. upon taking office. “Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it,” Trump stated during a rally, indicating a joint venture that would allow the popular short-video app, used by 170 million Americans, to operate continuously.
In a statement to its users before the rally, TikTok acknowledged the efforts of Trump, stating: “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the US.” The app had ceased functioning for U.S. users late Saturday, with many reporting access to the TikTok website, but the app itself was unavailable. TikTok mentioned, “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” expressing gratitude to Trump for alleviating concerns and ensuring that service providers would not face penalties for continuing to offer the app.
The political atmosphere around TikTok is intensified by ongoing U.S.-China tensions. Earlier in the week, the Chinese Embassy in Washington criticized the U.S., characterizing the moves to shut down TikTok as an abuse of state power. “China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” a spokesperson declared. Despite data security concerns, TikTok remains vastly popular in the U.S., and Trump’s intervention marks a significant shift from his previous viewpoint.
In 2020, Trump sought to ban TikTok due to fears that the Chinese government could access U.S. user data. However, as he prepares for a potential second term, Trump seems to support the app, even recognizing its role in connecting him with younger voters for the 2024 election. He indicated his intention to seek a 50% ownership stake for the U.S. in any joint venture involving TikTok.
Trump’s efforts to “Save TikTok” have not been free of controversy. Some Republican senators, including Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts, have argued that TikTok should not return unless ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, sells its U.S. operations and complies with legal requirements. “For TikTok to come back online in the future, ByteDance must agree to a sale that satisfies the law’s qualified-divestiture requirements by severing all ties between TikTok and Communist China,” they stated in a joint declaration.
The debate surrounding TikTok’s future has sparked interest from potential buyers. Media reports suggest that Beijing has been in discussions about selling the app’s U.S. operations to Elon Musk, though TikTok has refuted these claims. Other interested buyers, such as former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, are reportedly keen on acquiring the app, with analysts estimating its value to be around $50 billion.
Meanwhile, a law banning TikTok was set to take effect, causing a response from users who scrambled to find alternative methods to access the platform. Searches for “VPN” surged as users sought ways to bypass restrictions, while marketers reliant on TikTok for their businesses began making urgent preparations for potential disruptions. TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, was reported to attend Trump’s inauguration and a rally, further intensifying speculation about the app’s unpredictable future in the U.S.
As this dramatic situation continues to develop, one thing is clear: TikTok’s trajectory in the U.S. remains uncertain, with political and corporate forces vying for control of one of the most influential social media platforms globally.
