Hours after TikTok temporarily ceased operations in the United States, incoming President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he would issue an executive order to delay the enforcement of a ban on the app for 90 days. Trump’s statement, made on his Truth Social platform, highlighted his plans for a joint venture to give the United States a 50% ownership stake in TikTok, aiming to address national security concerns while preserving the app’s presence in the country.
TikTok Resumes Service Amid New Deal Proposals
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, restored its services on Sunday after previously going dark in compliance with a ban issued by the outgoing Biden administration. In a statement, TikTok thanked President-elect Trump for providing "clarity and assurance" to its service providers and users.
"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," TikTok said. "We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States."
The platform praised Trump for taking a strong stand against censorship, emphasizing the app’s importance to its American users and the First Amendment.
Trump's Executive Order and Ownership Plan
Donald Trump, set to become the 47th President of the United States on Monday, revealed plans to issue an executive order to extend the grace period before the TikTok ban takes full effect.
“I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added that his order would ensure no liability for companies involved in preventing TikTok from going offline before a deal is finalized.
Speaking at a rally ahead of his inauguration, Trump said, "Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it." He credited the app with its role in helping him connect with younger voters, a demographic he attributed to his 2024 election victory.
Revisiting Trump’s TikTok Stance
Trump’s current stance on TikTok marks a significant shift from his approach during his first term. In 2020, Trump pushed to ban TikTok over concerns that ByteDance was sharing Americans’ personal data with the Chinese government. An executive order at the time demanded that ByteDance sell its US operations, though a proposed deal involving Oracle and Walmart failed to materialize.
In contrast, Trump now expresses a favorable view of TikTok, calling it "a platform I have a warm spot in my heart for," particularly for its role in his 2024 campaign.
National Security Concerns Persist
The ban initially stemmed from fears that ByteDance’s ownership posed a national security threat, with US officials warning about the potential misuse of Americans’ data by the Chinese government. Trump’s proposed joint venture and the delay in enforcing the ban aim to address these concerns while keeping the app operational in the US.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s proposed solution seeks to balance national security with the app’s widespread popularity among Americans. With TikTok’s restored operations and the promise of a 90-day reprieve, the spotlight now shifts to negotiations for a joint venture that could redefine the app’s ownership and future in the United States.
As Trump assumes office, the resolution of TikTok’s status is poised to become a significant marker of his administration’s approach to digital platforms and US-China relations.
