Washington, D.C. – TikTok began restoring its services in the United States on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to reinstate the app once he assumes office on Monday.
Speaking at a rally ahead of his inauguration, Trump stressed the importance of keeping the platform operational for its 170 million American users.
“Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it,” Trump declared, adding that his administration would pursue a joint venture to ensure TikTok’s continued presence in the U.S.
The short-form video platform confirmed the restoration in a statement, crediting Trump for his efforts. “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.,” the company said.
However, by Sunday evening, the app remained unavailable for download on U.S. app stores, with only limited features accessible to some users.
TikTok also expressed gratitude for Trump’s intervention, stating that his assurances had provided “clarity and assurance” to service providers, allowing them to maintain the platform without risk of legal penalties.
The company highlighted the app’s significance to small businesses, noting that over seven million enterprises in the U.S. rely on TikTok for marketing and sales.
Tensions Rise in U.S.-China Relations
The decision to reinstate TikTok comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and China. Trump has signaled plans to impose tariffs on Chinese imports while expressing willingness to engage in direct talks with Beijing.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington denounced the U.S. actions against TikTok, accusing the government of unfairly using state power to suppress the company. In response, Beijing vowed to take “all necessary measures” to protect its interests.
TikTok’s disruption began late Saturday, just hours before a law banning the app over national security concerns took effect. U.S. officials have long warned that the platform, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, poses a risk of data misuse and espionage.
Trump announced plans to delay enforcement of the ban, proposing a joint venture with 50% U.S. ownership to address security concerns. He assured that companies assisting TikTok’s continued operations would not face liability under his executive order.
Political Divide Over TikTok’s Future
Trump’s push to save TikTok marks a stark reversal from his first term, during which he sought to ban the platform over alleged data-sharing with the Chinese government.
More recently, he acknowledged TikTok’s influence in helping him secure young voters in the 2024 election, saying he has a “warm spot in my heart for TikTok.”
However, Trump’s fellow Republicans remain divided. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts criticized the move, insisting that ByteDance must fully sever ties with China to comply with U.S. national security requirements.
The law, passed overwhelmingly by Congress, grants the Trump administration broad authority to ban or force the sale of Chinese-owned apps, with TikTok being the first to face such scrutiny.
Meanwhile, other ByteDance-owned apps, such as CapCut and Lemon8, also went offline in the U.S. over the weekend. VPN searches surged as users sought alternative ways to access TikTok, and businesses reliant on the platform scrambled to adjust.
Potential Buyers Eye TikTok U.S.
As uncertainty looms over TikTok’s long-term future, reports have emerged of potential buyers for its U.S. operations.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and billionaire Elon Musk are among the names speculated, though ByteDance has denied any talks with Musk.
Additionally, AI-driven search startup Perplexity AI has reportedly submitted a bid to merge with TikTok U.S.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and a Sunday rally, signaling the platform’s high stakes in the ongoing debate.
Analysts estimate TikTok’s U.S. business could be worth as much as $50 billion. ByteDance, a privately held company, is majority-owned by institutional investors like BlackRock and General Atlantic, with the remaining shares divided among its founders and employees.
As Trump prepares to take office, the battle over TikTok’s future remains a contentious issue, balancing national security concerns with the app’s cultural and economic influence in the U.S.
