TikTok Resumes US Service After Trump’s Promised Executive Order
TikTok resumed its services in the United States this Sunday following a brief shutdown due to a federal ban. The social media giant went offline on Saturday evening, leaving millions of users without access. The ban, tied to national security concerns, was made enforceable by recent legislature requiring TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest its US operations. President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to reverse the ban via executive order on his first day in office, easing restrictions temporarily and giving TikTok a lifeline.
This sudden move has reignited public and political debate about TikTok’s ties to China and its potential risks. Here’s an in-depth look into what happened, why TikTok was banned, and what lies ahead for the platform.
Why TikTok Was Banned
The ban stems from escalating security concerns surrounding TikTok. Lawmakers passed a bipartisan bill mandating ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations after accusations that the platform posed a threat to national security. Critics argue that TikTok’s algorithm and user data collection practices could be exploited by the Chinese government, although no definitive evidence has been disclosed.
The legislation allowed a 270-day grace period for ByteDance to divest its US branch before the ban became effective. However, ByteDance refused to sell. Without an approved buyer by Sunday morning, the app was removed from Apple and Google Play stores, with penalties for non-compliance threatening service providers.
According to Jasmine Enberg, an analyst at market research firm eMarketer, TikTok’s shutdown highlighted its popularity among users and the divisive nature of the ban. “It was a strategic reminder of the app’s cultural significance while at the same time pressuring lawmakers,” Enberg said.
TikTok’s Shutdown and Public Reaction
By late Saturday evening, users attempting to open the TikTok app were met with a stark notification stating, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.” Other apps owned by ByteDance, including the video editing tool CapCut and photo editor Hypic, were also pulled from US stores.
The shutdown sparked outrage and lament from creators and users alike. American tennis star Coco Gauff made her own protest, sketching the words “RIP TikTok USA” during her match, adding a layer of public solidarity to the backlash.
Yet, Trump’s announcement early Sunday morning provided relief to TikTok users. ByteDance confirmed that his promised executive order granting TikTok more time offered “the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers.” Users were able to access the platform again by Sunday afternoon, with TikTok’s team thanking its US customers for their patience.
Trump’s Role in TikTok’s US Revival
President-elect Donald Trump positioned himself as TikTok’s unlikely saviour, stating that he planned to delay the enforcement of the legislation. His proposed executive order would grant ByteDance an additional 90 days to negotiate the sale of its US operations, a move that appeals to TikTok’s ardent fan base.
Trump also credited TikTok for building his rapport with younger voters, an influence he acknowledged during his re-election campaign. On Truth Social, he praised the platform for its role in connecting Americans and fostering creativity, vowing to prevent its disappearance “under watchful leadership.”
However, legal experts question whether Trump’s manoeuvre has firm ground. Constitutional attorney Kirk McGill predicted, “Legally, there’s little chance of this standing long-term. But politically, it’s a different story. This battle is far from over.”
What Lies Ahead for TikTok
Can Trump Legally Extend TikTok’s US Presence?
The legislation mandates the app’s ban unless ByteDance divests its US operations, with only a 270-day grace period built into the law’s wording. That grace period expired ahead of Sunday’s ban.
Republican lawmakers, including Congressman Mike Gallagher, remain steadfast in their belief that no further extensions are permissible. Responding to Trump’s announcement on Fox News, Gallagher declared, “The law is clear. There’s no leeway beyond the outlined deadline unless documents proving a divestiture are submitted.”
Despite this, Trump’s executive action is expected to win TikTok time, potentially delaying court rulings while further negotiations surrounding a sale unfold.
Who Could Buy TikTok?
The future of TikTok in the US hinges on whether ByteDance can identify an approved buyer. Start-up firm Perplexity AI has reportedly submitted proposals, but its plans exclude purchasing TikTok’s proprietary algorithm, the core of its success and influence.
Without a credible buyer, TikTok’s long-term prospects remain in limbo. This uncertainty could impact its user base, creator community, and partnerships with brands, particularly with platforms like Lemon8 and CapCut also in jeopardy.
Could This Benefit Trump?
TikTok’s temporary shutdown (and hasty restoration) may have planted doubts in its users’ minds about the app’s reliability. Public figures like analyst Jasmine Enberg have noted that TikTok’s stressed insecurities might backfire, temporarily weakening ByteDance and making their US entity more open to acquisition.
On Sunday, Trump’s campaign portrayed his support for TikTok as evidence of his digital-age leadership, connecting with younger generations while addressing sensitive trade negotiations with China. If he follows through, it could signal a diplomatic turn unseen in recent years.
TikTok’s Popularity and Resilience
Despite national security risks and political scrutiny, TikTok’s influence on culture and communication remains unmatched. For many users, the idea of the US losing access to this global phenomenon does not just represent logistical inconvenience; it signals a clampdown on digital self-expression.
Trump’s promised interventions are unlikely to put permanent safeguards in place for TikTok, but for now, the millions who rely on the app to grow businesses, build communities, and explore creativity are breathing a sigh of relief.
ByteDance, however, may face even tighter scrutiny going forward. Its unwillingness to sell TikTok’s US operations tests the limits of US-China relations, and the issue remains far from resolved.
Source
Explore more entrepreneurial insights and success stories at Inspirepreneur, your go-to magazine for business innovation and leadership.
