In a surprising turn of events, TikTok announced on Sunday that it was resuming operations in the United States after former President Donald Trump pledged to grant the app a temporary reprieve from its impending ban. Late Saturday evening,the app had ceased functioning for its 170 million American users,leaving many in the dark about its future.
Earlier that day, Trump took to Truth social to declare his intention to sign an executive order allowing TikTok additional time to secure a buyer. His proposal suggested that the U.S. or an American firm acquire a 50% ownership stake in the Chinese-owned platform. “by doing this,we save TikTok,keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up,” Trump stated. He further emphasized, “Without US approval, there is no TikTok.With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions.”
The ban on TikTok was first initiated in April 2025, when Congress mandated that its parent company, ByteDance, either sell the app to a non-Chinese entity or face a complete shutdown. The decision was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday, prompting TikTok to halt its services. Users were greeted with a pop-up message stating, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
Trump’s intervention marked a significant shift in his stance on the app. Initially a proponent of the ban, he changed course after discovering the platform’s value during his 2024 presidential campaign. TikTok’s CEO, shou Zi Chew, expressed gratitude in a video message, thanking Trump for his efforts to keep the app active in the U.S. Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration ceremony in person.
Following Trump’s declaration, TikTok released a statement confirming it was “in the process of restoring service.” The company praised 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 seven million small businesses to thrive.” The statement continued, “it’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
While some users reported the app was back online shortly after the announcement, questions remain about the legality of Trump’s intervention. Although he could order the Justice Department to halt enforcement of the ban, he has also acknowledged that the Supreme Court’s decision should be “respected.”
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson affirmed his commitment to upholding the ban during an interview on NBC’s meet the Press. “When President Trump issued the Truth post and saeid save tiktok, the way we read that is that he’s going to try to force along a true divestiture, changing of hands, the ownership,” Johnson explained. He added that Congress’s concerns lie not with TikTok itself but with the Chinese Communist Party, emphasizing that ByteDance has 270 days to sell the app in the U.S.
Though, not all lawmakers are on board with extending the timeline. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts issued a joint statement asserting, “Now that the law has taken effect, there’s no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension’ of its effective date.” they stressed that TikTok’s return hinges on ByteDance severing all ties with China, stating, “Only than will Americans be protected from the grave threat posed to their privacy and security by a communist-controlled TikTok.”
Democrats have also weighed in on the issue, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging President Biden to grant TikTok more time. “It’s clear that more time is needed to find an American buyer for TikTok,” Schumer said last thursday. He pledged to work with the Trump management to protect content creators, national security, and American users from potential surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party.
Amid the political debate, potential buyers have emerged, including Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary, who reportedly offered $20 billion for TikTok. Another bid came from Perplexity AI, which proposed merging with TikTok’s U.S. operations rather then purchasing the app outright. As negotiations continue, the future of TikTok in America remains uncertain, but its users and stakeholders are hopeful for a resolution that keeps the platform alive and thriving.
* What are the potential challenges associated with Trump’s proposal for a 50% U.S. ownership stake in TikTok?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Inside the TikTok Ban Saga with Tech policy Expert,Dr. Emily Carter
January 19, 2025
Archyde: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. The recent developments surrounding TikTok’s ban and subsequent reprieve have been nothing short of dramatic. Can you walk us through what this means for the tech industry and American users?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. This is indeed a pivotal moment. TikTok’s temporary reprieve, thanks to former President Trump’s intervention, underscores the app’s immense cultural and economic impact. With 170 million American users, TikTok isn’t just a social media platform; it’s a digital economy in itself. The ban threatened to disrupt creators, businesses, and even political campaigns that relied on the platform.
Archyde: Trump’s proposal includes a 50% ownership stake for a U.S.entity. Do you see this as a viable long-term solution?
Dr. Carter: It’s a fascinating proposal, but it’s not without challenges. A 50% ownership stake could theoretically address national security concerns by giving the U.S. meaningful oversight. However, it raises questions about governance. How will decisions be made between ByteDance and the American partner? Will this hybrid model stifle innovation or create bureaucratic hurdles? Additionally, finding a U.S. buyer with the financial capacity to acquire such a stake will be no small feat.
Archyde: The ban was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court just days before Trump’s intervention. How does this legal backdrop shape the situation?
Dr. Carter: The Supreme Court’s decision highlighted the gravity of national security concerns tied to TikTok’s Chinese ownership.It also set a legal precedent for how the U.S. handles foreign-owned tech platforms.Trump’s executive order essentially delays this enforcement, but it doesn’t erase the underlying legal mandate. This creates a delicate balancing act: addressing security risks while preserving the app’s value to American users.
Archyde: Trump’s shift in stance is notable. He was once a staunch advocate for the ban. What do you make of his change in position?
Dr.Carter: It’s a remarkable pivot. Trump’s 2024 campaign revealed TikTok’s unparalleled reach as a tool for political engagement and influence. His recognition of the platform’s value—both economically and strategically—likely drove this reversal. it’s also a testament to TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, who has worked tirelessly to position the app as a responsible player in the U.S. market.
Archyde: What are the broader implications for the tech industry, especially regarding foreign-owned platforms?
Dr. Carter: This saga sets a precedent for how governments navigate the complexities of globalization in the digital age. It raises critical questions about data sovereignty,national security,and the role of foreign investment in tech.Other platforms with foreign ties will undoubtedly be watching closely. The outcome here could shape policies for years to come.
Archyde: what’s next for TikTok and its users?
Dr. Carter: The immediate focus will be on securing a U.S. buyer and finalizing the ownership structure. For users, this is a moment of relief, but uncertainty remains. the temporary reprieve buys time, but a permanent solution is essential to ensure long-term stability. TikTok’s future in the U.S. hinges on its ability to balance innovation with accountability.
Archyde: Dr. Carter, thank you for your insights. This is a story we’ll continue to follow closely.
dr. Carter: Thank you. It’s certainly a dynamic and evolving situation, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
End of Interview
For more updates on the TikTok ban and other breaking news, stay tuned to Archyde.