Trump to delay TikTok ban as app restores services in US
This combination of pictures created on June 2, 2024 shows a man holding a smartphone displaying the logo of Chinese social media platform Tiktok in an office in Paris on April 19, 2024 and Trump in New York City, U.S. on May 30, 2024. (AFP Photo)
President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday called for the United States to take part-ownership in TikTok and announced plans to delay a ban on the app to allow time to “make a deal” with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
“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,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
Meanwhile, TikTok confirmed that it was “in the process of restoring service” in the U.S. after, expressing appreciation for Trump’s efforts to provide “clarity and assurance.”
The announcement came after TikTok briefly went offline in the U.S. due to a law banning the app on national security grounds, with a deadline for ByteDance to sell its U.S. subsidiary to non-Chinese buyers having passed.
“I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture,” Trump also wrote. “By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands,” he stated.
TikTok responds to temporary shutdown
TikTok confirmed Sunday it was “in the process of restoring service” in the U.S. after the law banning the app took effect.
The company expressed appreciation for Trump’s efforts to provide “clarity and assurance” that service providers would not face penalties for allowing Americans to access TikTok.
The popular app, known for turning ordinary users into global celebrities, has faced criticism over disinformation and national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership.
Supreme Court ruling and TikTok’s future
Sunday’s shutdown followed a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday that upheld the legislation banning TikTok unless ByteDance sells its U.S. operations.
TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, and it is unclear how Trump will resolve the situation without ByteDance agreeing to a sale.
While Trump had previously supported a TikTok ban, he has credited the app with helping him connect with younger voters during his presidency.
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