TikTok confirmed on Sunday that it is restoring its service in the U.S., following a statement from President-elect Donald Trump indicating that he would ensure the app’s continued access once he assumes office on Monday.
The announcement came after U.S. users reported being able to access TikTok’s website, and some even saw the app’s basic functions restored. TikTok issued a statement thanking Trump for “providing clarity and assurance” to its service providers, confirming that they would face no penalties for continuing to offer the platform to over 170 million Americans and helping support over 7 million small businesses.
The app had briefly gone offline for U.S. users on Saturday, as a law restricting its operation on national security grounds took effect Sunday. U.S. officials raised concerns about potential misuse of American user data by TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
Trump later announced he would “extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect,” with the goal of securing a deal to safeguard national security. On Truth Social, he suggested the U.S. should hold a 50% stake in a joint venture involving TikTok.
Earlier, TikTok had displayed a message to users informing them that the app would be temporarily unavailable due to the ban, but expressing hope that Trump would work on a solution to reinstate access after his inauguration. The message stated: “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated he will work with us on a solution.”
Although the shutdown is temporary, it has raised tensions between the U.S. and China, impacting U.S. politics, social media dynamics, and millions of Americans who rely on the app for income and cultural connection.
Trump’s stance on TikTok marks a shift from his previous position. In 2020, he sought to ban the app over security concerns, even pushing for ByteDance to sell TikTok. More recently, Trump praised TikTok, claiming it helped him gain the support of young voters in the 2024 election.
The app’s future remains uncertain, with some Republican lawmakers arguing that TikTok should not be allowed to return without a full divestment from ByteDance, citing national security concerns. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts emphasized that the law’s effective date should not be extended.
Meanwhile, other ByteDance apps like CapCut and Lemon8 also disappeared from U.S. app stores following the law’s enforcement.
As uncertainty looms, U.S. users flocked to alternative platforms like China’s RedNote, and companies like Meta and Snap saw increased investor confidence. Some users scrambled for workarounds, including using VPNs to access TikTok.
Marketing firms, heavily reliant on TikTok, are also rushing to prepare for the possible long-term shutdown, with one executive describing the situation as a “hair on fire” moment.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, was reportedly planning to attend the U.S. presidential inauguration and participate in a rally with Trump. Meanwhile, various suitors, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Elon Musk, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations.
ByteDance remains a privately held company, with a valuation estimated at $50 billion, and continues to employ thousands in the U.S.
