TikTok is back online for its 170 million users in the United States after President-elect Donald Trump intervened. On January 20, 2025, Trump announced that he would issue an executive order to delay a law that had previously banned TikTok in the US. The law, which was based on national security concerns, had gone into effect on January 18, 2025, causing the app to stop working for American users.
Although Trump had supported the ban earlier, he later promised to give more time for a deal to be made. After his announcement, TikTok began working again, and a message thanking Trump appeared for its users. In a statement, the company expressed its gratitude, saying that Trump had provided the clarity needed for TikTok to stay in the US. The company also mentioned that it would work with Trump to find a long-term solution.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on January 20. On Truth Social, Trump’s own social media platform, he asked companies not to let TikTok remain offline and mentioned he would issue an executive order to delay the law’s enforcement. The goal is to create a deal that will protect national security while allowing TikTok to continue in the US.
The law, which was supported by the Supreme Court on January 19, requires TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, to sell its US operations. However, it is still unclear if Trump has the legal authority to delay the law’s enforcement. Many expect that the new administration will not enforce the ban if Trump follows through with the executive order.
