TikTok restored in the US after TRUMP intervenes

Monday, January 20, 2025 - Chinese short-form video-hosting service, TikTok has resumed services in the US after President-elect Donald Trump said he would issue an executive order to give the app a reprieve when he is sworn in today, January 20.

On Saturday evening, January 18, the app stopped working for American users, after a law banning it on national security grounds came into effect.

Trump, who had previously backed a ban on the platform, promised on Sunday to delay the implementation of the law and allow more time for a deal to be made. TikTok then said that it was in the process of "restoring service".

Soon after, the app started working again and a popup message to its millions of users thanked Trump by name.

In a statement, the company thanked the incoming president for "providing the necessary clarity and assurance" and said it would work with Trump "on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States".

TikTok CEO, Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration today.

Posting on Truth Social, a social media platform he owns, Trump said on Sunday: "I'm asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law's prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security."

TikTok's parent company, Bytedance, previously ignored a law requiring it to sell its US operations to avoid a ban. The law was upheld by Supreme Court on Friday and went into effect on Sunday.

It is unclear what legal authority Trump will have to delay the implementation of a law that is already in effect. But it expected that his government will not enforce the ban if he issues an executive order.