TikTok users in the U.S. faced a temporary disruption over the weekend after the platform went dark in response to a federal mandate requiring its China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations by Sunday.
The shutdown followed a national security law, which President-elect Donald Trump had previously expressed intent to pause with an executive order.
Announcing his decision on Truth Social, Trump stated his plan to grant ByteDance additional time to find a potential buyer before the law’s restrictions fully kicked in.
By Sunday afternoon, TikTok had returned to U.S. devices, with a message thanking users for their support, especially Trump’s efforts.
“As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” the message read. However, the situation remained complex, as ByteDance’s U.S. operation faced the legal requirement to sever ties with the platform under the new law, which had widespread bipartisan backing.
READ ALSO: 7 Key Takeaways From TikTok’s Shutdown in the US
Despite TikTok being reinstated, it was still unavailable for download from major app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
The drama unfolded against the backdrop of intense debate over the national security concerns regarding TikTok’s connection to China.
The law, which came into effect on Sunday, allows a 90-day extension for ByteDance to complete a sale, provided sufficient progress is made.
Trump’s intervention has sparked both praise and criticism, with some arguing it was a clever marketing move by TikTok and Trump.
Others, including key Republican lawmakers, insist that the law should not be delayed, with Rep. Mike Gallagher emphasizing that no extension exists beyond the set deadline.
Trump’s attempt to halt the ban and delay its enforcement is currently in legal limbo, with no clear resolution in sight. As the controversy continues, both the legal and political implications of Trump’s actions are being heavily scrutinized.
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