TikTok began restoring its services in the United States on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to revive the short-video sharing app, promising to work toward a resolution once he takes office. Speaking at a rally ahead of his inauguration, Trump declared, “We have to save it,” referring to the Chinese-owned app’s future in the U.S., where it has more than 170 million users.
In a statement, TikTok thanked Trump for his efforts in securing clarity from service providers. The company expressed that Trump’s involvement had alleviated concerns over potential penalties and helped restore limited access to the platform for some users. However, by late Sunday, the app was still unavailable for download in U.S. app stores.
This shift marks a dramatic reversal from Trump’s 2020 stance, when he sought to ban TikTok over national security concerns. Recently, he has acknowledged the app’s significance, especially among younger voters, in the lead-up to the 2024 election. Trump has now proposed a joint venture model involving a 50% U.S. ownership stake to resolve security concerns.
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In the midst of tense U.S.-China relations, China’s foreign ministry responded cautiously, emphasizing that companies should independently determine their operations. “We hope that the U.S. can earnestly listen to the voice of reason and provide an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment,” said spokesperson Mao Ning.
While the U.S. government has raised national security concerns over TikTok’s data practices, Trump’s latest comments signal a potential compromise to ensure the app’s continued operation in the U.S. The incoming administration is also weighing a broader regulatory framework to address Chinese-owned tech companies.
As discussions continue, several companies, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Perplexity AI, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations. Meanwhile, the app’s suspension has triggered a spike in VPN searches and concern among users about their purchases via TikTok Shop.
The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, with bipartisan debate over how to reconcile national security with the app’s massive user base.
