TikTok began restoring its services in the United States on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to revive the app once he assumes office on Monday. Speaking at a rally, Trump stated, “We have to save it,” signaling his intent to secure a joint venture to keep TikTok operational for its 170 million American users.
In a message to users, TikTok credited Trump for his efforts, saying, “As a result of President Trump’s actions, TikTok is back in the U.S.” The app had gone offline late Saturday, following a law banning the Chinese-owned platform over national security concerns.
TikTok thanked Trump for providing assurances to its service providers, emphasizing that the app supports over 7 million small businesses in the US. However, as of Sunday evening, TikTok remained unavailable on major app stores.
The move marks a stark shift in Trump’s stance on TikTok. During his first term, he sought to ban the app over allegations of data sharing with the Chinese government. Recently, Trump has expressed appreciation for TikTok, attributing its role in helping him gain traction among younger voters in the 2024 election.
Critics within the Republican Party, including Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts, opposed Trump’s intervention. They emphasized that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, must sever ties with China to comply with the law.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend Trump’s inauguration, further underscoring the app’s efforts to maintain its presence in the US amidst ongoing tensions in US-China relations. Meanwhile, discussions about a potential sale or partnership involving TikTok’s US operations remain ongoing.
