USA: TikTok credited President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday for his role in temporarily reversing a U.S. ban on the app. The popular video-sharing platform, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, had gone offline in the United States late Saturday after a deadline for ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations to non-Chinese buyers expired.
The outgoing Biden administration had earlier stated it would not enforce the ban, leaving the issue for the incoming Trump administration to handle. By Sunday afternoon, TikTok announced that it was in the process of restoring services to its 170 million U.S. users, following Trump’s intervention.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump promised to issue an executive order delaying the enforcement of the ban to allow time for negotiations. He also proposed that the United States take a significant ownership stake in TikTok, suggesting a 50% share in a joint venture with ByteDance.
“I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture,” Trump wrote, arguing that such a move would not only secure the app’s operations in the country but also unlock immense financial value. “This could bring the app’s valuation to hundreds of billions—maybe even trillions of dollars. By doing this, we save TikTok and keep it in good hands.”
Trump’s intervention marked a shift from his previous position, as he had strongly backed banning TikTok during his first term, citing national security concerns over its Chinese ownership.
TikTok Responds, Restoration Underway
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok expressed gratitude to Trump for providing clarity to service providers about the legal risks of supporting the app.
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties for providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans,” the company said.
Although TikTok resumed operations by Sunday afternoon, the platform did not comment on Trump’s call for partial U.S. ownership. ByteDance has repeatedly resisted pressure to sell its U.S. operations, raising questions about the feasibility of Trump’s proposal.
The law governing the TikTok ban allows for a 90-day delay if progress toward a viable agreement is made. However, enforcement of the law remains uncertain, as the Biden administration stated it would leave the matter to Trump.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld legislation banning TikTok pending a sale of its U.S. assets, intensifying pressure on ByteDance. The law also imposes penalties on tech giants Apple and Google, requiring them to block TikTok downloads on their platforms or face fines of up to $5,000 per user. Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s servers, would also be legally obligated to enforce the ban.
These measures have prompted concern among TikTok users and industry observers alike. Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the tech trade group Chamber of Progress, warned that Congress designed the law to limit presidential discretion, making it challenging to reverse without a clear resolution involving ByteDance.
The temporary shutdown of TikTok sparked widespread reactions both in the U.S. and abroad. Social media platforms such as X were inundated with memes, complaints, and nostalgic posts mourning the app’s absence.
Even outside the U.S., the ban drew attention. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna praised the decision, advocating for similar measures in Europe to counter disinformation. “Banning TikTok must be considered in Europe as well,” Tsahkna stated.
At the Australian Open, the ban became a talking point when American tennis star Coco Gauff scribbled “RIP TikTok USA” on a courtside camera. “I love TikTok; it’s like an escape… hopefully it comes back,” Gauff said in a post-match interview.
Proposals and Offers to Save TikTok
In a late-hour development, Perplexity AI, a high-profile start-up, proposed a merger with TikTok’s U.S. operations, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Although no price was disclosed, the source estimated the deal’s value at a minimum of $50 billion.
Another bidder, Frank McCourt, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, also reportedly expressed interest in purchasing TikTok’s U.S. activities.
As Trump prepares to retake office, the fate of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. While Trump’s efforts to delay the ban have provided temporary relief, significant hurdles, including ByteDance’s resistance to a sale and the stringent requirements of U.S. law, continue to loom large.This expanded version includes additional context, structure, and a focus on the broader implications of the situation. Let me know if you’d like furth
