After a 14-hour blackout, TikTok is back online in the U.S., thanks to President-elect Donald Trump’s intervention. The popular app was forced offline Saturday night due to a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest ownership.
On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social, promising to delay enforcement and extend liability protections for service providers like Oracle and Akamai, which quickly restored TikTok’s service. “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.,” read a message on the app.
While TikTok users can now access the platform, the app remains unavailable for new downloads on Apple and Google app stores. Legal uncertainties loom as lawmakers and experts question the validity of Trump’s delay without meeting specific legal criteria.
The blackout sparked a surge in VPN searches and panic among TikTok-dependent businesses. Despite the reprieve, the app’s future hinges on a potential divestment deal to satisfy U.S. security concerns.
ByteDance faces pressure to sell TikTok U.S., with suitors like Elon Musk and Perplexity AI reportedly expressing interest. Meanwhile, Republican senators argue the law must be enforced without exception, emphasizing the risks of Chinese control.
TikTok’s return highlights ongoing tensions in U.S.-China relations and the growing role of tech platforms in global politics. The saga continues as Trump’s administration works toward a solution to secure the app’s future while addressing national security concerns.
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