TikTok Restarts Operations Amid Trump's Executive Order Plans

TikTok has made a significant move to restore its services in the United States following President Donald Trump's recent statements about the app's future. 

On January 19, 2025, TikTok announced that it would begin reinstating its operations just hours after Trump declared during his celebratory victory rally, “We have to save it.” This statement, made just before his inauguration, might indicate his intention to revive the app's access in the U.S. 

In a message directed at its users, TikTok expressed gratitude for Trump’s efforts, stating:   

The app had faced restrictions as of late Saturday forcing the company to release a press statement on possible shutdown. This shutdown came into effect on January 19 when users reported difficulties accessing its services. 

Despite these challenges, TikTok has begun restoring the basic functionalities of its app. In an earlier statement, the company confirmed that it was working with service providers to resume full operations and thanked Trump for providing clarity that would prevent penalties against those supporting TikTok’s return. 

This public acknowledgment comes at a time of heightened tensions in U.S.-China relations, as Trump has indicated plans to impose tariffs on China while also seeking direct engagement with its leadership.

When queried about the app's restoration and Trump's intentions, China's foreign ministry emphasized that companies should independently determine their operational strategies. Spokesperson Mao Ning remarked:

TikTok has operated in the U.S. for many years and is deeply loved by American users.

The backdrop of this situation is complex; TikTok had ceased operations for U.S. users just before a congress bill, H.R.7521, took effect. This bill by the congress called the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” mandated that ByteDance either sell TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer or face a nationwide ban.

In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Trump mentioned he would likely grant a 90-day extension to avoid an immediate ban on TikTok. 

He described this extension as an appropriate measure given the circumstances surrounding the app’s future. However, he also acknowledged that any extension might not be sufficient to prevent a temporary shutdown due to the imminent deadline.

It’s important to note that this pivot in Trump's approach marks a stark contrast from his previous administration's stance when he sought to ban TikTok over data privacy concerns. Recently, he has expressed a newfound appreciation for the platform, crediting it with helping him connect with younger voters during his 2024 presidential campaign.

For now, the fate of TikTok remains uncertain as negotiations unfold. Other apps owned by ByteDance have also gone offline in U.S. app stores, prompting users and marketing firms reliant on TikTok to scramble for contingency plans—U.S. citizens flooding RedNote. 

As this situation develops, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration alongside other tech leaders, signaling ongoing discussions about the platform's future in America.

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