TikTok, the popular Chinese short-form video app, has announced the restoration of its services in the United States after a brief shutdown over the weekend. The company expressed gratitude to President-elect Donald Trump for “providing the necessary clarity and assurance” that allowed its service providers to resume operations without fear of penalties.
The platform had gone offline on Saturday night to comply with a ban enacted under the Biden administration. Users attempting to access TikTok were met with a message stating, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
In a post on X, TikTok confirmed the restoration efforts, saying, “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.”
TikTok also hailed Trump’s intervention as a stand for the First Amendment and against “arbitrary censorship,” adding, “We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
President-elect Trump, posting on Truth Social, announced plans to issue an executive order on Monday to delay the enforcement of the TikTok ban for 90 days. “I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect so that we can make a deal to protect our national security,” Trump wrote.
He assured companies hosting TikTok that they would not face legal liability for keeping the app operational until the executive order takes effect. Trump also emphasized the importance of TikTok remaining available for Americans to enjoy key events, including his Inauguration Day.
Trump outlined a bold proposal for the United States to acquire a 50% ownership stake in TikTok through a joint venture. “By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up. Without US approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars—maybe trillions,” he stated.
The shutdown followed a Supreme Court ruling on Friday that upheld a bipartisan law signed by President Joe Biden in April. The law prohibits US companies from hosting or serving content for TikTok unless the platform is sold to a US-based or allied company.
According to CNN, TikTok’s service disruption came just hours before the law was set to take effect. However, Trump’s swift actions have given the platform a temporary reprieve, allowing its 170 million American users and millions of small businesses to continue utilizing the app.
The proposed executive order and the potential joint venture could signal a turning point for TikTok’s future in the United States. For now, TikTok is back online, offering relief to its users and a pathway for continued negotiations.
