TikTok started restoring its services on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump pledged to bring the app back to the U.S. upon his return to office on Monday. Speaking at a rally ahead of his inauguration, Trump declared, “Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it.” He added that his administration would seek a joint venture to reinstate the short-video platform, which is used by 170 million Americans.
TikTok Acknowledges Trump’s Support
Hours before Trump’s rally, TikTok reassured its users, stating, “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.” The company also issued an earlier statement confirming its ongoing work with service providers to restore full functionality. While some users regained limited access, the app remained unavailable for download on U.S. app stores as of Sunday evening.
TikTok expressed gratitude to Trump for providing “clarity and assurance” to service providers, ensuring they would not face penalties for continuing to offer TikTok to American users and small businesses.
Tensions Rise Amid U.S.-China Relations
The move to restore TikTok comes at a critical moment in U.S.-China relations. While Trump has signaled intentions to impose tariffs on China, he has also expressed a desire for direct communication with Chinese leadership. In response, the Chinese Embassy in Washington condemned the U.S. for using state power to suppress TikTok, warning that China would take “all necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests.”
National Security Concerns and Legal Maneuvers
TikTok was taken offline for U.S. users late Saturday as a new law banning the app on national security grounds took effect Sunday. U.S. officials have long expressed concerns that the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could misuse American user data.
Trump announced plans to delay the law’s prohibitions to negotiate a deal that safeguards national security. He also suggested that the U.S. should hold a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture with TikTok, adding that an executive order would ensure no legal liability for companies helping to keep the app operational before his order takes effect.
Reversing Course: Trump’s Changing Stance on TikTok
Trump’s current effort to “Save TikTok” marks a dramatic shift from his first term. In 2020, he sought to ban the app over data privacy concerns, requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations. However, he later supported a partnership proposal involving Oracle and Walmart rather than a full sale.
More recently, Trump acknowledged that TikTok played a role in his 2024 election victory, saying, “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok.”
Republican Opposition and Legal Uncertainty
Despite Trump’s intervention, some Republican lawmakers oppose efforts to bypass the TikTok ban. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts stated, “Now that the law has taken effect, there is no legal basis for an extension. TikTok can only return if ByteDance fully divests and severs ties with Communist China.”
The law, passed with bipartisan support, grants the incoming administration broad authority to ban or force the sale of other Chinese-owned apps. As of late Saturday, ByteDance’s other platforms, including CapCut and Lemon8, also remained offline in the U.S.
Impact on Businesses and TikTok Users
The sudden shutdown sparked panic among businesses and users. Google Trends reported a spike in searches for VPN services as users scrambled for alternatives. Instagram users voiced concerns about unfulfilled orders from TikTok Shop, the app’s e-commerce arm. Marketing firms relying on TikTok rushed to implement contingency plans, with one executive describing the situation as a “hair on fire” moment.
Potential Buyers and Business Speculation
With TikTok’s fate uncertain, several high-profile figures and companies have expressed interest in acquiring its U.S. operations. Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has emerged as a potential buyer, while media reports suggest discussions about a sale to billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk—though the company has denied this.
Meanwhile, U.S. search engine startup Perplexity AI reportedly submitted a bid on Saturday to merge with TikTok U.S. and form a new entity with additional partners.
TikTok CEO to Attend Trump’s Inauguration
As the situation unfolds, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s presidential inauguration and a rally on Sunday, according to sources.
With more than 7,000 employees in the U.S. and an estimated valuation of up to $50 billion, TikTok’s future remains in flux. For now, Trump’s intervention has sparked both hope and controversy as the battle over the app’s existence continues.
