President-elect Donald Trump promises to bring back TikTok in the US. He plans to issue an executive order after taking office on Jan. 20. But there’s a catch: he wants US investors to own at least 50% of the app.
TikTok goes offline
TikTok went offline for 170 million American users late Jan. 18. This happened just before a national security law shutting it down took effect on Jan. 19. US officials argued that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could misuse American data.
Trump’s plan to save TikTok
Trump addressed the issue on Truth Social. He said, “I’ll extend the timeline before the law’s prohibitions take effect. This gives us time to make a deal that protects national security.” He added that he wants the US to have a 50% stake in a joint venture. “By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up,” Trump wrote.
The new executive order will ensure no liability for companies helping TikTok stay online before his order is signed. Previously, Trump hinted at giving TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after his inauguration. TikTok informed its users about this in a notice, stating, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, you can’t use TikTok right now. President Trump has promised to work on a solution to bring TikTok back. Stay tuned.” The message appeared just as the app disappeared from Apple and Google stores.
A historic shutdown
This shutdown is historic. It’s the first time the US has banned a major social media platform. The law, overwhelmingly passed by Congress, also allows the Trump administration to target other Chinese-owned apps. ByteDance’s apps, such as CapCut and Lemon8, were also unavailable in US app stores as of Jan. 18.
Users scramble for alternatives
Many users found themselves locked out. Even attempts to use TikTok through web applications failed. A message greeted them, saying the app no longer worked. The move sent shockwaves through the social media world.
The ban stems from a law passed last year and upheld by the Supreme Court on Jan. 17. TikTok had until Jan. 19 to sever ties with ByteDance or shut down its US operations. US officials believe ByteDance’s Chinese ties pose a national security risk. Meanwhile, China has slammed the ban. The Chinese Embassy in Washington accused the US of abusing state power. A spokesperson stated, “China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
Rival apps and user reactions
The uncertainty led users, mostly younger people, to seek alternatives. Many turned to RedNote, a Chinese-based app. Rivals like Meta and Snap have benefited, with their share prices climbing as investors bet on new users and advertising dollars.
Some TikTok users expressed heartbreak. One user on RedNote posted, “This is my new home now,” tagging their post with “tiktokrefugee” and “sad.” On X (formerly Twitter), others shared their frustrations. @RavenclawJedi tweeted, “I didn’t think they’d really cut off TikTok. I miss my friends there. Hoping it comes back in a few days.”
Businesses feel the heat
The shutdown also created a scramble. NordVPN, a popular virtual private network, reported technical difficulties as web searches for “VPN” spiked. Instagram users worried about receiving merchandise purchased through TikTok Shop, the app’s e-commerce arm. Marketing firms reliant on TikTok rushed to make contingency plans. One executive called it a “hair-on-fire” moment. Many had assumed a solution would prevent the ban.
Hope for TikTok’s return
There’s still hope for TikTok’s return. Trump has pushed for a “political resolution.” Last month, he urged the Supreme Court to pause the ban’s implementation. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew reportedly plans to attend Trump’s inauguration and a Jan. 19 rally.
Buyers line up for TikTok
Meanwhile, potential buyers are circling. Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is among those interested in TikTok. Analysts estimate the platform could be worth $50 billion. Rumors have also swirled about Elon Musk, a Trump ally, holding talks to buy TikTok’s US operations. However, ByteDance denied these reports.
Another suitor has emerged. US search engine startup Perplexity AI reportedly submitted a bid to ByteDance on Jan. 18. The company plans to merge TikTok’s US operations with other partners to create a new entity.
TikTok’s future remains uncertain
Privately held ByteDance is about 60% owned by institutional investors like BlackRock and General Atlantic. Its founders and employees own the remaining 40%. ByteDance employs more than 7,000 people in the US. For now, the future of TikTok remains uncertain, but Trump’s actions could decide its fate.
