TikTok users were greeted with an unexpected message from the Chinese video-sharing app on Sunday afternoon, thanking President-elect Donald Trump for allowing the conditions to restore service in the US after it went dark for more than 12 hours. Trump announced earlier that he would extend the divest-or-ban deadline through an executive order on Monday. This action—painting Trump as a savior could potentially trigger a significant surge in his popularity, as more than 170 million Americans use the controversial Chinese app.
TikTokers were greeted on their smartphones with a message that praised “Trump’s efforts,” which led to the app being restored. This should be seen as a solid olive branch by Beijing extended to the incoming Trump administration.
Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the US! You can continue to create, share and discover all the things you love on TikTok.
Separately, TikTok released this statement:
In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.
It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.
Mounting fears about national security concerns surrounding the Chinese-owned video-sharing app have exploded in recent years, as China hawks say the app is designed to maximize addiction. However, implementing a ban would set the Western world—particularly the US—on a potentially dangerous path toward increased censorship.
Earlier, Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist involved with “White Dudes for Harris,” freaked out on X about Trump becoming a possible savior to tens of millions of TikTokers.
Many X users said Trump’s ‘Art of the Deal’ efforts in restoring TikTok will likely lead to a massive surge in popularity…
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Update (1035ET):
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the divest-or-ban deadline and allow enough time for a deal in which the US will have 50% ownership via a joint venture with TikTok’s Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance.
Trump’s statement was posted on Truth Social on Sunday morning:
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. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.
Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations.
I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up. Without US approval, there is no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions.
Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the US gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the US and whichever purchase we so choose.
Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale made a great point on X:
Meanwhile, Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist involved with “White Dudes for Harris,” freaked out on X as Trump could save TikTok: “And Trump is going to position himself as the savior. JFC.”
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Chinese video-sharing platform TikTok suspended all US services early Sunday morning, while Apple and Google removed the app from their app stores to avoid hefty penalties under a new law. This follows the expiration of the divest-or-ban deadline for TikTok at midnight, just one day after the Supreme Court upheld the mandate.
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!” TikTok’s US website landing page reads.
On Saturday, President-elect Donald Trump said he would give TikTok’s owner, Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance, a three-month reprieve from the ban to find a buyer.
“The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC News in an exclusive interview, adding, “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
Bloomberg noted, “It was TikTok’s choice to suspend availability late Saturday” or “face enormous penalties.”
The unprecedented shutdown of TikTok will mobilize its massive base of 170 million monthly US users and demand action against political leaders who have been trying to nuke the Chinese video-sharing app, as well as, call on Trump to reverse the ban.
The Biden-Harris administration has made it very clear to the incoming administration to take action against TikTok over national security concerns.
Early Sunday, Elon Musk confirmed that X is exploring the very real possibility of bringing back the short-form video app Vine in some capacity to his social media platform, which has become a central hub for Americans to access news.
TikTokers are freaking out about the ban…
Goldman told clients on Thursday that “Tiktok refugees” were finding alternative video-sharing platforms worldwide, such as downloading the Chinese app RedNote…
TikTok influencer Tiffany Cianci told Bloomberg she hopes that Trump can deliver to reverse the ban: “This is a promise Trump made, and it is a promise he used to get a large number of young people to vote for him,” adding, “We are calling on him to deliver immediately.”
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