Tick, tock: with each new day, the drama surrounding the social media site continues, and on Saturday, the service outraged (and freaked out) loyal users when it went dark after the Biden administration failed to act. Now it’s back, courtesy of incoming President Donald Trump.
I would make fun of all the hysterics who were feeling lost and empty when TikTok went down because I don’t spend much time with the app, but I have to admit that if X went dark, I would be pretty upset myself. It looks like fans can take a deep breath, though, and turn their cellphones back on:
TikTok said it was in the process of restoring operations in the U.S. Sunday, after President-elect Trump promised to issue an executive order to extend TikTok operations on Inauguration Day.
Some U.S. users reported being able to regain access to the app following Saturday’s blackout.
TikTok has remained controversial because of national security concerns due to the fact it’s owned by a Chinese company, ByteDance. A federal ban was scheduled for January 19.
Trump had called on TikTok to stay up and running in a Sunday social media post:
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…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 19, 2025
The post continued:
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 U.S. 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 U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose.
Background: NEW: Trump Floats a Solution to US TikTok Ban Scheduled to Start Sunday
BREAKING: Supreme Court Rules on TikTok Ban
He also posted Friday that he’d spoken with Xi Jinping about TikTok and other matters:
I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 17, 2025
We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!
TikTok thanked the president-elect:
TikTok’s account on X dedicated to releasing policy updates posted a statement later Sunday saying: “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,” the statement said. “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.” TikTok’s account on X dedicated to releasing policy updates posted a statement later Sunday saying: “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service.”
Trump isnt’ going to be inaugurated until Monday, but it sure feels like he’s already running the show, doesn’t it?
