TikTok Returns to US as Trump Commits – In a dramatic turn of events, TikTok has begun restoring service to its 170 million US users, just hours after going dark due to a federal ban. The popular video-sharing app’s revival comes on the heels of President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to issue an executive order delaying the ban’s enforcement.
Trump’s Last-Minute Intervention Sparks TikTok’s Comeback
Trump announced his intention to sign an executive order on Monday, his first day in office, extending the deadline for the law that would have effectively banned TikTok. This move marks a significant shift from his previous stance on the app.
We have to save it, Trump declared, signaling plans for a joint venture that would grant the US a 50% ownership stake in TikTok. He added, By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up.
TikTok swiftly responded, thanking Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to its service providers. The company emphasized the impact of the decision on its millions of users and the 7 million small businesses that rely on the platform.
Political Pushback and National Security Concerns
Despite Trump’s intervention, some Republican lawmakers remain opposed to any extension. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts argued that there’s no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension’ of its effective date, insisting that TikTok must completely sever ties with Communist China to operate in the US.
The initial ban stemmed from fears that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could potentially misuse American user data. These concerns highlight the ongoing tensions in US-China relations and the challenges of regulating global tech platforms.
Race for Ownership
As negotiations continue, several parties have expressed interest in acquiring or merging with TikTok’s US operations. Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and AI startup Perplexity have submitted proposals, while rumors persist about potential talks between Beijing and Elon Musk, though TikTok denies these claims.
The coming days will be crucial in determining TikTok’s long-term future in the United States. As the platform navigates this complex political and business landscape, millions of users and content creators are watching closely, hoping their favorite app will remain accessible.
