Michelle ThompsonTikTok has resumed operations for its 170 million U.S. users after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order delaying a recent ban on the app. The Chinese-owned platform had halted services on Saturday following the enforcement of a law prohibiting its operation on national security grounds.
Trump, who had previously supported the ban, announced on Sunday that he would extend the timeframe for compliance, allowing negotiations to continue. TikTok confirmed it was working to restore access, and by Sunday evening, services were back online with a message expressing gratitude to Trump.
In a statement, TikTok thanked the incoming administration for its support and stated its commitment to finding a long-term resolution. CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump emphasized his intention to prevent the app from being shut down and indicated plans to delay enforcement through an executive order. The law requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations had been upheld by the Supreme Court last Friday, and enforcement began Sunday.
The legal authority for delaying the ban remains uncertain. However, it is anticipated that the incoming administration will not enforce the prohibition if Trump issues an order.
This marks a shift in Trump’s stance, as he had previously endorsed a ban on TikTok but later highlighted its value, citing the app’s role in amplifying his campaign messages during the election.
The Biden administration, in its final hours, had already decided against enforcing the ban, but TikTok proactively suspended its services on Saturday. Access was restored following Trump’s intervention.
TikTok, widely popular in the U.S., has faced bipartisan scrutiny over its Chinese ownership. A law passed in April mandated the removal of the app from app stores and hosting services unless ByteDance divested its U.S. operations. The Supreme Court upheld the legislation, despite TikTok’s argument that it infringed on free speech rights.
The issue has highlighted divisions within the Republican Party. Trump’s Secretary of State nominee, Marco Rubio, has been a vocal critic of TikTok but expressed willingness to support Trump’s position. Meanwhile, other lawmakers, including Senator Tom Cotton, warned of severe legal repercussions for companies facilitating TikTok’s operations.
Legal experts suggest Trump may invoke a provision allowing a 90-day postponement of the ban if progress on addressing national security concerns is demonstrated. However, questions about liability and enforcement remain unresolved.
The situation is expected to clarify once the executive order is issued.
